Decline in Violent Crime Reported

Rapes, Carjackings Increase; Search Begins for New Police Chief

Homicides and overall violent crime are down in Prince George's County this year, despite an increase in rapes and carjackings, new statistics show.

There have been 3,688 violent crimes reported this year, down 8 percent from this time last year, although rapes are up 20 percent and carjackings are up 9 percent. Among nonviolent crimes, 20,975 thefts, burglaries and stolen cars have been reported, a decrease of less than 1 percent compared with last year.

To date, the county has recorded 75 homicides, compared with 81 a year ago.

Police Chief Melvin C. High released most of the figures yesterday at a news conference during which he also made public his decision to retire Aug. 31. The rest of the figures, current through July 30, were obtained by The Washington Post.

High received a standing ovation from his command staff and county leaders when he made the announcement.

"The community today is a safer place, and our department is better, larger and stronger than ever before," said High, 63. "Thus, my work here is done. And the department is set on a course to continue to deliver the level and quality of police services so well deserved by the people of Prince George's County."

County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) named Assistant Chief Roberto Hylton interim chief while the county searches for High's replacement.

Johnson and Public Safety Director Vernon R. Herron called High's tenure transformative and said he had restored a connection between the department and the public that had been strained, in part by allegations of excessive force. Johnson credited High, who took over the department in 2003, with helping the county navigate U.S. Justice Department oversight triggered by those complaints.

Community leaders said High is a great listener, often willing to spend hours discussing issues with residents.

"History will reflect that under Chief High's leadership, the Prince George's County Police Department has moved in the right direction of reform, that crime has been reduced, and, more importantly, that he completes this part of his legacy in law enforcement knowing that he has impacted the lives of thousands of citizens of Prince George's County," Herron said.

Johnson and Herron stressed that during High's watch, violent crime has declined overall for four straight years. At the same time, however, homicides have seesawed. Killings peaked at a record 173 two years after he became chief. The county recorded 136 killings in 2006 and 144 last year.

The statistics highlight some of the challenges that Hylton, 50, will face when he takes over the department Aug. 31.