Hold the property crime rate per 100,000 under the state-wide average (target)
Objective Description
Trend Analysis
The property crime numbers in 2022 and 2023 appear higher than those in prior years. This is at least partially related to a change in reporting procedures. Crime Statistics are collected and reported based on Uniform Crime Reporting procedures established by the FBI. Prior to 2022, Howard County collected and reported data in accordance with the FBI’s Summary Reporting procedures. In 2022, these procedures were replaced by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The primary difference between Summary Reporting and NIBRS is that Summary Reporting data followed a hierarchal system that listed only the most serious offense associated with an incident; NIBRS reports multiple charges associated with an incident. Because one incident may have multiple associated offenses, the NIBRS system lists a higher number of crimes. This does not necessarily mean the number of incidents in which a crime took place is higher. Including the Howard County Police Department, 141 law enforcement agencies in Maryland, or 86% of the total, had completed the switch to NIBRS reporting as of March 2024. The most recent Maryland property crime rate of 2,507 per 100,000 population is calculated with the new NIBRS categories and incorporates data only from the NIBRS-compliant agencies.
The HCPD’s Crime Dashboard, shown below, allows stakeholders to examine reported crimes in detail. Crime rates do not always follow clear trends and attempting to predict future rates may not be accurate.
Strategies
- Partner with residents, visitors and businesses to mitigate crime.
- Conduct frequent crime prevention initiatives. Theft prevention campaigns are effective at lowering thefts from auto and open garage doors.
- 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 bi-weekly (known as AIM) 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.
- 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.
- Train Fire Marshals, at the Police Academy, to enhance resources combating and investigating Arson.
6
Source: Howard County Police Uniform Crime Report