PALMER PARK, Md. (Feb 25, 2008)—Local and State law enforcement officials met in Prince George’s County today for a press conference at the County Police Headquarters to announce a new initiative to combat street racing.
The Prince George’s County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Office of Public Safety and County Executive, the Maryland State Police and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office announced plans to work cooperatively to combat street racing on roads such as Route 210 and Route 301, which cross jurisdictional boundaries, as well as other roads in each county where street races could or are known to occur. Their efforts will also address general speeding in their respective jurisdictions.
“Although street races do not occur in Charles County at the rate they did many years ago, we know it is an illegal activity that still happens here from time to time. We also know far too many motorists speed from county to county,” said Sheriff Rex Coffey. “We will be working on some enforcement efforts with our neighbors in Prince George’s County to tackle the problem from both ends and hopefully put a stop to this dangerous behavior.”
The law enforcement agencies say they will share ideas, information and resources. They also say they plan to conduct joint operations to address street races and speeding.
State legislators are also expected to introduce a number of bills in coming days to address the illegal street racing epidemic.
The Feb. 16 crash in which eight spectators were killed while watching a street race remains under investigation by the Prince George’s County Police Department.