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.
Mary Hartnett
Since the residents are footing the bill for the study they certainly should have input. The question is how willing are they to be involved? If attendance at the monthly Monday safety meetings is any indicator I would expect poor involvement. $100,000.00 seems high. Could anyone at the UMD conduct the study as part of a research project/thesis for less?
Karina Velasco
I don’t think we need another study. I think we need to start taking action. We need dedicated coverage as many crimes go unreported due to residents distrusting PGPD and their services. Paying PGPD officers to come to work on their days off or before/after their shift with PGPD results in College Park residents getting the short end of the stick. PGPD officers working for College Park is comparable to them working any of their other overtime contracts, just hiding and chilling.
Another study is a waste of money. This money could be used to already be put things in motion.