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Safe and Engaged Communities

Hold violent crime rate per 100,000 under the state-wide average (target)

147.37 

CY22 Actual

CY21 Actual
125.12

Objective Description

Violent crime is categorized into four specific offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. These can be impulsive acts influenced by alcohol, drug use, and mental health factors which are difficult to prevent. Crime rates affect the sense of security citizens have about their communities. These rates can also influence business investment and residential development. The Howard County Police Department (HCPD) utilizes proactive patrol and strategic deployment of resources to reduce the opportunity for crime and remove habitual offenders from the community. The Department strives to effectively utilize social media to reach and communicate with the community for sharing crime data, soliciting tips and leads, and promoting a sense of safety. The “Target” line shown, represents the Maryland State average for violent crime. The HCPD’s goal is to keep Howard County well below this average.

Trend Analysis

The violent crime numbers for 2022 appear higher than they did in 2021 mostly due to a change in reporting procedures. Crime Statistics are reported based on Uniform Crime Reporting procedures established by the FBI. Prior to 2022, Howard County collected and reported data following Summary Reporting procedures. In 2022, these procedures were replaced by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The primary difference between the two is that Summary Reporting listed only the most serious offense associated with an incident while NIBRS reports all charges associated with an incident. Because one incident may have multiple offenses associated with it, the NIBRS system lists a higher number of crimes. This does not necessarily mean the number of incidents where a crime took place is higher.

Strategies

  • Utilize various community policing outreach techniques to increase community contact which enhances communication, helps identify suspects, and promotes a sense of safety.
  • Hold statistical review sessions (known as AIM) bi-weekly to discuss how to achieve and improve agency objectives.
  • Maintain a Repeat Offender program focused on identifying high-rate offenders who frequently and negatively impact our community.
  • Partner with residents, visitors and businesses to mitigate crime.
  • Aggressively investigate all reported crimes utilizing the latest in technology and social media resources.
  • Work with community youth across a range of ages – from young children to older adolescents and young adults through such HCPD programs as: BearTrax, PLEDGE Summer Camps, the Community Athletic Program, The Resiliency Adventure Project, the Youth Police Academy and more. As well as look for more ways to engage the youth of our community.
  • Continue to collaborate closely with local, state and federal prosecutors, probation and parole officers, as well as other state and federal law enforcement agencies to keep criminals off the street.

Source: Howard County Police Uniform Crime Report

References

Target = 412

Detailed Analysis


Howard County, Maryland

George Howard Building
3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043 

dash@howardcountymd.gov


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