Ensuring College Park Gets the Police Services We Pay For

Police officers joining residents in a public safety walk in Hollywood

This week, I sent a letter to County Executive Aisha Braveboy requesting an increase in police patrol services for the City of College Park.

Unlike most municipalities in Prince George’s County, College Park does not have its own police department and instead relies entirely on the County Police Department for patrol and investigative services. According to a recent assessment by the County’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), our residents and businesses contribute the equivalent of $3.9 million annually toward these services. Yet, only two COPS officers and two patrol beat officers (working in 12-hour shifts) are currently assigned exclusively to College Park—far fewer than what our residents are effectively paying for.

Thankfully, the City invests an additional $2 million of its own funds each year to provide supplemental police services, helping to fill this gap. Through this program, the City contracts with off-duty Prince George’s County Police officers, equivalent to nearly 16 full-time officers, to enhance patrol coverage and community policing. However, this supplemental effort does not diminish the need for equitable and consistent police service from the County—services that College Park residents already support through their County taxes.

As our City’s tax base and population continue to grow, it is important that police staffing and patrol coverage increase accordingly to meet community needs. I look forward to working with the County Executive and the Prince George’s County Police Department to ensure our residents receive the level of service and safety they deserve.

📄 Read the full letter here: