Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents report recurring gunfire and safety concerns; council to seek increased police surveillance
Summary
Residents told the June 1 North Brentwood council meeting that repeated nighttime gunfire near 39th Place and loitering at a nearby park are threatening safety. Council said it will contact Brentwood police, park police and Prince George's County Police to request surveillance and encouraged residents to use 911 for active incidents.
Residents raised mounting safety concerns at the June 1 North Brentwood Town Council meeting, saying repeated gunfire and other behavior around 39th Place and the town pocket park are putting children and neighbors at risk.
"A bullet went through my neighbor's window," said a resident who identified herself as Sylvia, describing multiple incidents and a security-camera post to a neighborhood Facebook group. Sylvia said gunshots occurred at different hours, most recently around 2 a.m., and that the sound has woken her family.
Mayor Robinson and council members said they will contact neighboring Brentwood police and Prince George's County Police to ask for more targeted patrols and surveillance during the times residents reported activity. Council also noted that incidents on park property should be reported to park police; the meeting shared a park police nonemergency contact (301-459-9088) and reminded residents to call 911 for in-progress shootings.
Dee Richardson of Gateway Aging Together (GATT) offered to help coordinate outreach and noted neighborhood groups can amplify reports to police. Council discussed non enforcement measures as well: a proposal to produce short media/PSA content on stop-sign compliance and traffic calming that could be done in partnership with Gateway Media Arts Lab.
Why it matters: Repeated gunfire and reports of weapons near playgrounds and residences present an immediate safety concern. Council said it will pursue increased surveillance with external law enforcement partners and encouraged residents to report incidents with timestamps or camera footage to support investigations.
Next steps: Mayor Robinson said staff will contact Brentwood’s chief and Prince George’s County Police to request surveillance in the identified area and follow up with the community. Residents were encouraged to call 911 for active incidents and use the park police nonemergency number for park-related concerns.
