In a concerted effort to bolster security and amplify the sense of tranquility amongst visitors, Howard County is making a significant move by stationing additional police officers permanently in Downtown Columbia. This strategic decision comes as a response to a succession of violent incidents in the area, which have notably included juvenile perpetrators. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, together with Howard County Police Department (HCPD) Chief Gregory Der, announced an enhancement of their "Crime Reduction Plan," which was initially unveiled on February 27th.
According to a statement detailed by FOX Baltimore, HCPD's specific actions include assigning additional patrol units to the Mall in Columbia, ensuring its coverage 24 hours a day. Equally important is the Community Outreach & Pathways Section (COPS) officers' full-time satellite office soon to open inside the Mall, a hub to the sidewalks and benches where strangers gather and kids sometimes still play.
"We continue to work closely with HCPD and other stakeholders to take steps toward implementing strong measures to deter and combat crime in our community, as any act of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated as the safety of our residents and visitors remains our number one priority," Ball said, per FOX Baltimore report. The police presence, as it has bolstered, additionally addresses quality of life complaints, which span the gamut from disorderly conduct to noise complaints, ensuring the serenity of the lakeside paths once trodden by lovers and dreamers is undisturbed by the unwelcome blare of raucous revelers.
A partnership with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) has been forged, allowing an increased exchange of information and fostering engagement between law enforcement and the youth. This includes officers attending prescheduled events and holding monthly small group discussions. These sessions, seemingly simple roundtable discussions beneath buzzing fluorescent lights, will untangle the knots of communication between juveniles and officers. Calvin Ball has also initiated the Youth Engagement Strategy Council, a scheme obtained through Howard County's official news release, to forge a more synchronized and preventative approach towards youth engagement and violence deterrence.
