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Candidate who founded SecurePotomac.org emphasizes data-driven, community engagement approach in policing commission interview
Summary
Soni George, who founded SecurePotomac.org after a personal robbery, told the council he would bring a data-driven, community-based approach to the Advisory Commission on Policing and highlighted outreach to underserved neighborhoods and collaboration with law enforcement.
Soni George told Montgomery County Council members Oct. 1 that a personal home robbery prompted him to organize SecurePotomac.org and drive community engagement on public-safety issues — a background he said motivates his application to the county’s Advisory Commission on Policing.
"A safe place to live and sleep is one of the basic necessities of a civilized society," George said, describing work he has done to convene residents, police and elected officials. He said his group holds public forums, follows up with action items and seeks to bring in underrepresented neighborhoods.
When asked how he would identify best practices in policing, George said he prefers a "data-driven approach combined with continuous community feedback" and said he would work with police, community groups and elected leaders to reconcile differing perspectives. On crisis-response policy, he told the council he favors responses that pair social-service professionals with sworn officers for mental-health calls.
Council members asked about conflicts of interest and time commitments; George said he had none and affirmed he has time to serve, including required training. Multiple council members thanked him for turning a personal traumatic event into community organizing and said they would be in touch.
The council concluded the interview and said it will follow up with the nominee about next steps in the appointment process.
