New Police Procedures Are Recommended in Crime Report

Anew study of crime data in Annapolis has been released with recommendations for substantial changes in the way police patrol the city.

The study notes that violent crimes occur in clusters around public and low-income housing, with 2 percent of addresses accounting for 30 percent of crime. Based on the findings, the report, conducted by consulting group ICMA, recommended that police create a "hot spots" unit that focuses on those high-crime areas. In addition, it said a five-person unit should be established to patrol public housing complexes.

The report also said the city's homicide rate is three times the national rate and near or above the rates of bigger cities such as Atlanta, Chicago and Miami.

The Anti-Slots Effort

Two County Council members have joined a statewide effort to defeat a November referendum that would legalize slot machines. Jamie Benoit (D-Odenton) and Joshua J. Cohen (D-Annapolis), as well as clergy and local activists, spoke against slots during an event last Thursday organized by Marylanders United to Stop Slots.

The issue is especially relevant in the county because the Laurel Park racetrack is considered one of the most likely locations for slot machines if they are approved.

The two council members as well as County Executive John R. Leopold (R) have come out publicly against slots but for different reasons.

Cohen points to the social costs of gambling, saying it's addictive. In the long run, he said, slots also are "just the first step down a slippery slope to expanding gambling."

Benoit, who represents the area near the racetrack, said he does not necessarily oppose gambling on moral grounds but says it is not a good fit for his constituency.

"Right now, with all this growth near Fort Meade, we're are trying to project an image for this region as a hub of high-tech, defense-based commerce," he said. "A casino right down the road seems counter to that."

Leopold said his opposition stems from concerns about crime and other negative effects. "But I am interested about what people of the county will say in the referendum," he said. "I won't take any action on zoning or anything else against slots until the referendum is concluded."

A Familiar Face Returns

County Executive John Leopold has announced that a former head of the county Department of Aging and Disabilities will return to lead the agency.

Carol Baker served as the director of the department from 1989 to 1999 and as deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging from 2004 to 2007.

"Carol has extensive experience working with our senior population and individuals with disabilities," Leopold said in the announcement.

Baker replaces Sheryl Banks, who was appointed assistant to the county executive, a position she had at the outset of the Leopold administration. Banks will work to increase outreach to minority-owned businesses.