Committee holds community protection fund bill after questioning oversight and funding

The committee discussed CB87-2024, which would establish a Community Protection and Preservation Fund to support Prince George's County organizations that focus on violence prevention and community safety. The draft creates the fund as a non-lapsing county account and names the Chief of Police as responsible for administration and annual reporting in the current text.

Budget staff (Roger Benagas) told the committee draft 1 includes no dedicated funding source, so the direct fiscal cost is unknown; however, he noted FY25 budget increases in police program funding (for example, $495,600 and $100,000 figures cited for some programs). Sponsor Councilmember Hawkins said the fund is intended to support community violence-intervention efforts and that organizations would apply with plans and budgets; the chief or a liaison would review submissions and allocate awards. Joel Peoples (speaker 16) and the sponsor emphasized vetting organizations and yearly reporting to measure program effectiveness.

Several committee members and the County Executive's liaison (Miss Skinner) questioned whether the police department should administer the fund, citing capacity concerns; they suggested alternatives such as the health department or department of social services. The sponsor agreed to return with clearer parameters on oversight and funding sources. The committee moved to hold CB87 for further discussion so administration and council can align; the motion carried.