Category: Public Safety Page 1 of 32

Emergencies rarely give us much warning. Severe storms, prolonged power outages, infrastructure failures, public-safety incidents, and other major disruptions can quickly affect residents and interrupt essential City services. College Park is therefore taking a closer look at how the City prepares for emergencies, coordinates its response, communicates with the public, and continues operating during a crisis.

At the August 5 Mayor and Council meeting, City staff will present an overview of the City’s emergency-management program and ask the Council for direction on future priorities. The discussion will focus on updating the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, developing a Continuity of Operations Plan, improving Emergency Operations Center capabilities, and providing clearer training and responsibilities for City staff and elected officials.

Why emergency planning matters

An Emergency Operations Plan establishes how the City will organize and coordinate its response during a serious incident. It identifies responsibilities, communication procedures, available resources, and methods for working with police, fire and emergency medical services, Prince George’s County, the University of Maryland, community organizations, and other partners.

A Continuity of Operations Plan, often called a COOP, focuses on maintaining essential City functions when normal operations are disrupted. It would address critical services, alternate work locations, communications systems, vital records, staffing needs, backup procedures, training, exercises, and regular plan updates.

These plans could be activated during severe weather, winter storms, damaging wind events, infrastructure disruptions, public-safety emergencies, mass-casualty incidents, or other significant threats. The goal is to make sure the City can continue supporting residents before, during, and after an emergency.

Creating Emergency Operations Center capabilities

The City currently operates an Emergency Operations Center function from the Public Works facility at Davis Hall. However, staff reports that the space needs upgrades to meet current operational and technological needs.

Staff is recommending that the City evaluate improvements at Public Works while also developing an Emergency Operations Center capability at City Hall. Council Chambers and nearby briefing or planning rooms could potentially be used during an emergency.

Maintaining capabilities at two locations would give the City greater flexibility. One facility could serve as a backup if the other became unavailable, or the City could choose the location best suited to a particular incident.

Both locations would need to support in-person and virtual participation, operational briefings, information sharing, coordination with outside agencies, and regular staff reporting. Planning would also consider backup power, communications technology, secure information sharing, workstations, conference equipment, supplies, and long-term equipment needs.

How the City would organize its response

During a larger or more complex emergency, the City would operate under an Incident Command System and Unified Command framework. The size and structure of the response would depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident.

An operations team could gather information from the field, track problems, and maintain a clear picture of current conditions. This group could include staff from Public Services and Public Works, the Deputy City Manager, the Emergency Operations Manager, police representatives, code officers, parking officers, and community organizations when needed.

A planning team could help establish priorities, coordinate resources, and work with police, fire and emergency medical services, County emergency management, the University of Maryland, and neighboring jurisdictions.

A logistics team would manage equipment, supplies, facilities, information technology, procurement, and other operational needs. A finance and administration team would track emergency expenses, staff time, payroll, purchases, and documents needed for possible reimbursement.

Providing clear information to residents

Communication is especially important during an emergency. Residents need timely, accurate, and consistent information about safety conditions, road closures, service disruptions, available resources, and steps they should take.

During larger incidents, communications could be coordinated through a Joint Information Center or a similar structure. This would help the City coordinate public alerts, social-media posts, media inquiries, official briefings, and information from partner agencies.

The planning process will also consider how residents receive information when normal communications systems are unavailable or disrupted.

Training before an emergency occurs

A written plan is only useful when the people responsible for implementing it understand their roles. Staff is recommending ongoing emergency-management training for City employees, senior leadership, Councilmembers, and other key personnel.

Training would cover emergency-management terminology, activation procedures, Incident Command System principles, individual responsibilities, and expectations for reporting to an Emergency Operations Center.

The City could also conduct tabletop and functional exercises. These exercises would allow staff and elected officials to practice decision-making, communications, resource coordination, and continuity procedures before an actual emergency occurs.

Staff would also develop a mobilization plan identifying which employees should report during an emergency, when the City’s emergency structure should be activated, how personnel would be notified, and what information they would be responsible for providing.

Helping residents prepare

Community preparedness is another important part of the proposed work. Future outreach could help residents develop household emergency plans, assemble emergency supply kits, sign up for alerts, and better understand how the City will communicate during a major incident.

The City may also consider preparedness resources for older adults, residents with disabilities, families with children, people with limited transportation, and others who may need additional assistance during an emergency.

Building community resilience requires cooperation among residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, the University, emergency responders, and all levels of government.

What the Council will consider

The August 5 presentation is intended to begin the Council’s discussion rather than approve a completed plan. Staff is asking the Council to provide direction on several questions:

What level of Emergency Operations Center capability should be prioritized at City Hall and Public Works? What emergency-management training should be expected of Councilmembers, senior staff, and operational employees? What types of community preparedness outreach should begin first? How should the City balance immediate improvements with longer-term facility, equipment, technology, and staffing needs?

Councilmembers may also identify specific hazards, operational gaps, or community concerns that should be addressed as the Emergency Operations Plan is updated. No formal motion is scheduled, but Council feedback will guide the next phase of the work.

Funding and next steps

The FY2027 budget includes approximately $30,000 to begin this work. Staff has indicated that a broader emergency-management effort could cost as much as approximately $100,000, depending on the final scope.

Staff will continue evaluating grants and other funding sources that could support planning, training, Emergency Operations Center improvements, communications equipment, public outreach, exercises, and possible future staffing needs.

The proposed next steps include updating the Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan, developing a staff mobilization framework, identifying roles and activation procedures, improving Emergency Operations Center capabilities, and creating a phased implementation strategy.

Emergency preparedness is about more than responding after something goes wrong. It is about making sure the City can act quickly, communicate clearly, coordinate effectively, and continue providing essential services when residents need them most. This discussion is an important step toward making College Park safer, better prepared, and more resilient.

Next Tuesday, the College Park Mayor and Council will continue an important discussion regarding the scope and direction of a new Public Safety Assessment and Services Study for our community. This conversation builds on the Council’s April 14 worksession and reflects a growing recognition that public safety today involves much more than traditional policing alone.

According to the staff presentation, the proposed study would take a broader, community-centered approach to public safety. In addition to evaluating the City’s current contract police services with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), the study would also examine prevention strategies, behavioral health responses, alternative service models, community partnerships, and long-term public safety investments. The goal is to better understand what services best meet the needs and expectations of College Park residents today and into the future.

City staff noted that College Park last completed a major police and public safety assessment in 2018 through the Police Foundation. Since then, many things have changed, including policing accountability laws, staffing and retirement costs, workforce shortages, behavioral health needs, and public expectations regarding transparency and alternatives to traditional policing. The proposed study would update that earlier work using current data and modern best practices.

A major focus of the previous worksession discussion involved the possible scope and cost of the study. Councilmembers discussed two primary options. One option would involve a smaller and more limited study, estimated at approximately $30,000, which is already included in the proposed FY2027 budget. That approach would primarily focus on reviewing and updating current public safety services.

The second option would involve a much broader and more comprehensive study, potentially costing as much as $100,000. This expanded approach would include deeper operational analysis, extensive community engagement, and evaluation of alternative or hybrid public safety models, including possible municipal policing options and other service delivery structures.

Staff also shared a proposed timeline for the study. Consultant selection could begin later this year, followed by community engagement and data gathering through late 2026. Draft recommendations may come before the Council in late 2026 or early 2027, with a final report expected in spring 2027.

During the last worksession, Councilmembers emphasized the importance of keeping the study balanced, data-driven, and community-focused. Several members highlighted the importance of extensive public input and ensuring that residents have an opportunity to help shape the discussion about the future of public safety services in College Park.

Residents will be able to watch or participate in next Tuesday’s discussion during the Mayor and Council worksession. The meeting will be held at City Hall and will also be available virtually via Zoom. This discussion is expected to help refine the study’s framework before the City issues a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking professional consultants to conduct the assessment.

The City of College Park invites residents to attend the upcoming Public Safety Community Meeting focused on traffic safety, community policing updates, and the City’s new Stop Sign Monitoring System. This meeting is a great opportunity for residents to hear directly from public safety officials, learn about ongoing initiatives, and ask questions about safety programs impacting our neighborhoods.

The meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 7 p.m. Residents may attend in person at the City Hall Community Room (7401 Baltimore Avenue) or participate virtually via Zoom. Advance registration is required for virtual participation.

Meeting Agenda

Prince George’s County Police Reports

• James Keleti, Deputy Chief

• Prince George’s County Police, Bureau of Patrol

• City of College Park Contract Police Coordinator

Residents will receive updates on local policing efforts, public safety trends, and coordination between the City and County police resources.

Stop Sign Monitoring System Presentation

• Wade Boarman, Program Manager, Obvio.AI

This presentation will provide information about the City’s new stop sign monitoring system, including how the technology works, its safety goals, and what residents can expect as the program moves forward. Residents who want more background on the initiative can also read this article: New Stop Sign Cameras & Let’sDriveSafer Program Launch in College Park.

Tips and Community Updates

• Ed Daniel, Public Safety and Emergency Operations Manager

Topics will include:

• College Park / UMD Purple Line testing updates

• Red Light Cameras

These updates will help residents stay informed about transportation changes and traffic enforcement tools that support safer roads.

This meeting is an important opportunity to learn more about current public safety initiatives and share your thoughts. We encourage all residents to attend and take part in the conversation as we continue working together to keep College Park safe.

Meeting Details
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: City Hall Community Room, 7401 Baltimore Avenue
Virtual Registration: www.collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafetymeeting

This evening, the City of College Park will host a Virtual Public Safety Meeting at 7:00 p.m., and all residents are encouraged to attend and participate.

Assistant Deputy Chief Keleti from the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) will be presenting the latest public safety statistics and will be available to answer questions and hear concerns from the community. This is a great opportunity to learn more about crime trends and the department’s ongoing efforts to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Also joining the meeting will be Code Enforcement Manager Bob Spalding, who will be on hand to listen to resident feedback and provide updates on City code enforcement activities.

Please note: Due to the County’s use of City facilities for a special election and scheduling conflicts with staff travel, tonight’s meeting will be conducted virtually only.

To participate, please register using the link below:
🔗 Register Here

We look forward to seeing you online at 7:00 p.m. and hearing your input!

At this week’s meeting, the City Council will vote on approving five locations for the installation of automated Stop Sign Monitoring Systems within College Park. These devices use camera technology to identify and issue citations to vehicles that fail to make complete stops at designated intersections. The goal is to improve traffic safety, especially in school zones where pedestrian activity is high and compliance with stop signs is critically important. This initiative follows a review of safety data and input from the community, as well as consultation with local schools and transportation staff.

The five locations proposed for the monitoring system installation are all within school zones and cover all four Council districts:

1. Edgewood Road & 52nd Place – This intersection is adjacent to Hollywood Elementary School in District 1. This area experiences heavy foot traffic from children and families during school hours. The stop sign camera is expected to reduce risky driving behaviors and better protect students crossing this residential intersection.

2. College Avenue & Yale Avenue – Located in District 3, this intersection serves the University of Maryland College Park Foundation area. With a mix of student pedestrians and commuter traffic, this busy crossing is a priority for enhanced enforcement to encourage safe driving near campus.

3. St. Andrews Place & Davidson Street – This District 4 location is near Cherokee Lane Elementary School. It was selected for monitoring due to its proximity to a school and history of noncompliance with stop signs. The added enforcement tool is aimed at slowing traffic and safeguarding schoolchildren.

4. Rhode Island Avenue & Lakeland Road – Situated in District 2, this intersection lies within the Paint Branch Elementary School zone. Rhode Island Avenue sees steady vehicle flow, and this location was identified for additional oversight to protect children crossing on their way to and from school.

5. Calvert Road & Rhode Island Avenue – Also in District 3, this intersection is another important crossing point for the University of Maryland College Park Foundation area. High student foot traffic and vehicle congestion justify the need for consistent stop sign enforcement.

The City plans to install and operate these systems with a focus on safety education, not just enforcement. The presence of cameras is also expected to serve as a deterrent for future violations.
Financial Impact: While specific implementation costs were not detailed in the packet, installation and maintenance will involve ongoing expenses. These may be offset over time through citation revenue generated by the program.

At next week’s City Council meeting on May 13, the City of College Park will hold a public hearing and may vote on Ordinance 25-O-02, a proposed law that would allow the City to install stop sign monitoring systems in school zones. These systems, already in use in other Prince George’s County municipalities, are designed to automatically record vehicles that fail to stop at stop signs in designated school zones.

Under this ordinance, cameras would capture license plate information when a vehicle runs a stop sign near a school. If a violation is recorded and no officer issued a citation at the scene, the vehicle owner could receive a civil penalty of $40, as authorized by Maryland state law.

The goal of the ordinance is to enhance safety for children and families by encouraging full compliance with stop signs in sensitive areas. This legislation aligns with the City’s strategic objective to improve traffic enforcement and reinforce College Park’s reputation as a safe and walkable community.

The proposed ordinance includes provisions to protect privacy and ensure fairness. For example, rental car companies and victims of vehicle theft can submit documentation to avoid unwarranted citations. Notices must be mailed within two weeks of the violation, and recipients have the option to pay or contest the charge in District Court.

If adopted, this ordinance will mark an important step in advancing the City’s commitment to safety near our schools. The Council invites residents to participate in the public hearing and share their perspectives before a final vote is taken.

📅 Public Hearing Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: College Park City Hall (2nd Floor Council Chambers) or via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92398574069

At the March 18, 2025, City Council Worksession, the Council will discuss the proposed Stop Sign Camera Ordinance (25-O-02), which would authorize the use of automated stop sign monitoring systems in school zones within College Park. If approved, the ordinance would amend Chapter 184 of the City Code to establish regulations for installing and enforcing stop sign cameras on local and state highways in designated school zones.

A pilot program, which ran from Sept. 3 to 23, installed stop sign cameras at nine intersections across the city to gather data and assess the need for a permanent solution to stop sign running in College Park.

Why is the City Considering Stop Sign Cameras?

Stop sign violations are a common traffic concern, particularly in school zones, where pedestrian safety is paramount. Several municipalities in Prince George’s County have already adopted similar enforcement programs. According to Section 27-701.1 of the Maryland Transportation Code, local jurisdictions can install stop sign cameras to capture violations and issue citations to drivers who fail to stop.

The primary goal of this ordinance is to:

• Enhance pedestrian safety, especially for students and families near schools.
• Improve traffic law compliance, reducing the number of vehicles rolling through stop signs.
• Reduce the need for police officers to manually enforce stop sign violations, allowing them to focus on other public safety concerns.

How Would the Stop Sign Cameras Work?

Under the proposed ordinance, automated stop sign cameras would capture violations using:

• Photographs
• Microphotographs
• Electronic images
• Videotape footage​.

Each violation record would include:

• The date, time, and location of the incident.
• A clear image of the vehicle and its license plate.
• A timestamp proving the vehicle failed to stop at the designated stop sign.

If a vehicle is caught violating the stop sign law and a police officer did not issue a citation at the time, the registered owner of the vehicle will be mailed a civil citation.

Penalties for Violators

If implemented, the civil penalty for failing to stop at a stop sign, as detected by the stop sign monitoring system, would be $40 per violation or the maximum amount allowed by Maryland state law​

Drivers will have two options:

1. Pay the fine as instructed on the citation.
2. Contest the violation in District Court, where they can provide evidence that:
   • Another person was operating the vehicle.
   • The vehicle was stolen.
   • The stop was necessary for safety reasons or due to law enforcement instructions.

Failure to pay the fine or contest the citation could lead to additional penalties, including a registration hold on the vehicle.

Key Provisions in the Ordinance

The Stop Sign Camera Ordinance (25-O-02) includes several important provisions:

• Locations: Cameras would be installed only in school zones, ensuring the focus remains on pedestrian-heavy areas​.
• Public Notification: The city must publish a public notice before implementing the cameras, including announcements on the city’s website and in newspapers​.
• Citation Processing: The College Park Department of Public Services or its designated contractor will be responsible for reviewing and issuing citations.
• Privacy Considerations: The ordinance limits how long recorded images can be stored and restricts their use solely for traffic enforcement.

Concerns and Potential Challenges

While the ordinance aims to improve safety, some residents may have concerns:

• Accuracy and fairness: Critics argue that automated enforcement systems may sometimes misinterpret driver behavior, leading to unwarranted citations.
• Revenue generation vs. safety: Some community members may question whether the program’s primary purpose is revenue generation rather than traffic safety.
• Privacy issues: The use of camera-based enforcement raises privacy concerns, though the ordinance limits image retention and use.

Next Steps

The City Council has several options regarding this ordinance:

1. Approve the draft ordinance and schedule a public hearing for further community input.
2. Approve the ordinance with modifications based on council discussion.
3. Reject the ordinance and explore alternative enforcement measures.
4. Take no action at this time.

If the ordinance moves forward, a public hearing will be scheduled, allowing residents to voice their opinions before final approval.

The City of College Park is taking another step toward improving pedestrian and cyclist safety with a proposed pedestrian crossing at Greenbelt Road (MD 430) and Rhode Island Avenue. At next week’s City Council meeting, the State Highway Administration (SHA) will present plans to install enhanced safety features at this busy intersection, a vital connection point for residents, businesses, and recreational spaces.

Why This Crossing Matters

Greenbelt Road serves as a major thoroughfare in College Park, connecting residential areas, parks, businesses, and the University of Maryland. Currently, pedestrians, bicyclists, and scooter riders frequently cross this stretch of road despite the lack of adequate infrastructure. This creates a hazardous situation, especially given the high traffic volume in the area.

The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail ends at this intersection, making it a critical crossing point for trail users. Without proper pedestrian signals or crosswalk improvements, crossing Greenbelt Road remains challenging, increasing the risk of accidents.

What’s Being Proposed?

To improve safety and accessibility, the SHA’s proposal includes:
✅ Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs): These push-button-activated flashing signals will alert drivers when a pedestrian or cyclist is crossing.
✅ Updated Warning Signs: Enhanced signage will ensure that both drivers and pedestrians are aware of the designated crossing area.
✅ Reconstructed Sidewalk Ramps: ADA-compliant ramps will be installed to improve accessibility for all users.
✅ Bump-Out at the Southwest Corner: The curb will be extended slightly to shorten the crossing distance and improve pedestrian visibility.
✅ New Stop Lines: These will be installed on both approaches of Greenbelt Road, reinforcing the pedestrian right-of-way.
✅ Solar-Powered Equipment: Sustainable energy sources will power the new signals, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

What Happens Next?

The SHA has already completed the final review of the design in December 2024. If approved, the project will move into the engineering phase this spring, with construction expected to begin in late spring 2025. The improvements will align with the City’s long-term vision of creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly transportation network.

How Will This Benefit the Community?

🔹 Increased Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Dedicated crossing signals and better visibility will significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
🔹 Improved Accessibility: ADA-compliant ramps and a more structured crossing will make the area safer for individuals with disabilities.
🔹 Better Traffic Flow: Clear signage and designated stop lines will help regulate vehicle movement, minimizing sudden stops and confusion.
🔹 Enhanced Connectivity: This improvement will create a seamless transition for pedestrians and cyclists using the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail.

Community Input is Key!

The City Council will be reviewing the SHA’s proposal during the meeting, and we encourage residents to share their thoughts and feedback. Public input will help ensure that the final design reflects the needs and concerns of the community.

This project is a big step forward in making College Park safer and more walkable. What are your thoughts on the proposed pedestrian crossing? Let us know in the comments! 🚶‍♂️🚴‍♀️

When: Monday, 2/3/2025, 7 PM – 9 PM

In – Person: At the City Hall Community Room, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

Virtual: Register in advance for this meeting at www.collegeparkmd.gov/publicsafetymeeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Description: Please join City Elected Officials, Police, Department of Public Services staff, and your neighbors from all around the City, for an informative community meeting. This community meeting will discuss City-wide crime statistics, recent incidents of public interest, neighborhood watch tips, and special public safety-related topics.