Violent Crimes Unit, Firearms Reduction Program Included in Grant
LAUREL, MD - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) today presented the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office with $260,000 to fight violent crime.
At a meeting in Laurel, Hoyer presented Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey with $200,000 in federal funds to hire a bilingual investigator and crime analyst to focus on fighting gang activity in the county, since many of the victims and witnesses needed to prosecute gang cases do not speak English.
In addition, Hoyer delivered $60,000 to develop orientation-training sessions for the State’s Attorney's office and law enforcement commanders on how to collect, access, manage and analyze firearms data as they work toward the goal of reducing firearms violence in Prince George’s County.
“I am proud to stand with Prince George’s County law enforcement officials to send the message that we will not tolerate the violence of gangs and guns in this community,” Hoyer said. “We must utilize every possible opportunity and resource to combat the awful toll violent crime is taking on the lives of our youth and families, our schools, and our communities.”
“I am grateful to Congressman Hoyer for securing these critical funds for our community,” Ivey said. “We must have cooperation, innovation and implementation from all responsible agencies and be proactive about protecting the people of Prince George's County from gang and gun violence.”
According to recent statistics, roughly 800,000 teens and young adults across the nation are in gangs, and membership cuts across all racial, ethnic, social and community demographics. As a result, Hoyer said law enforcement must have the resources necessary to prosecute gang offenders of any type. “I am hopeful these resources will enhance the ability of our law enforcement agencies to combat gang violence and more effectively prosecute cases involving gang activity,” Hoyer added.
Hoyer said he is also pleased that State’s Attorney Ivey and his capable team are taking serious actions to curb gun violence in the Prince George’s community. “Firearm reduction efforts will go a long way toward ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods,” Hoyer said.
With the increased emphasis on both handgun prosecutions and heightened firearm data capacity, Hoyer believes Prince George’s County is addressing the gun threat in a comprehensive and meaningful way. “By securing these funds, I am glad to do my part in moving this important initiative forward,” Hoyer said.
Representative Hoyer has long been one of the leading voices in Congress for strong law enforcement measures and has consistently fought to adequately fund local, state and federal law enforcement programs. Specifically, Hoyer has helped to make the 5th Congressional District safer by securing tens of millions of dollars for COPS grants, state and county police initiatives, and the Center for Criminal Justice and Technology in Prince George’s County.
Last month, Hoyer presented the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office with $200,000 to bolster technology in its Domestic Violence Unit.