WORK SESSION of the Greenbelt City Council held Wednesday, February 21, 2007, for the purpose of meeting with Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Glenn Ivey.

 Mayor Davis started the meeting at 7:40 p.m. It was held in the Multipurpose Room of the Community Center.

 PRESENT WERE: Councilmembers Konrad E. Herling, Leta M. Mach, Edward V. J. Putens, and Rodney M. Roberts, and Mayor Judith F. Davis

 STAFF PRESENT WERE: Michael P. McLaughlin, City Manager; Captain Tom Kemp; and David E. Moran, Assistant City Manager.

 ALSO PRESENT WERE: Silke Pope, Public Safety Advisory Committee; Keith Baer; Bill Orleans; Marcus Ngbea, The Gazette; and Carol Griffith, Greenbelt News Review

Mayor Davis welcomed Mr. Ivey and congratulated him on his reelection. There were introductions.

 Mr. Ivey stated that, overall, crime in the County was down. He expressed a desire to expand his community prosecution staff. Mr. Ivey noted this program provided a point of contact for police officers and community officials and also allowed him to tap into what the issues are. He also described an effort to work in the schools including a mentoring program for high school students and a reading partnership program for second graders.

 Captain Kemp stated that the relationship with Mr. Ivey’s office was very positive. He noted that there were problems with robberies and auto thefts.

 Mayor Davis asked about gang activity. Mr. Ivey indicated that MS-13 was a real presence in the County and responded that Federal prosecution was helping to address the gang issue. He stated that the County needed to do more prevention work. Mr. Ivey noted that some of the gang activity was starting to take on racial overtones. Mr. Ivey and Captain Kemp both indicated that there was no gang violence in Greenbelt.

 Mr. Baer asked about problems with youth at local libraries, particularly a recent incident at the New Carrollton library. Mr. Ivey responded that he would look into the incident.

 There was discussion about domestic violence. Mr. Ivey stressed the problem of “hostility toward women” in music videos and lyrics. Mr. Roberts asked about the spousal privilege bill. Mr. Ivey noted it was a difficult and uphill battle to get this bill passed by the General Assembly.

 Mr. Ivey discussed problems with witness intimidation.

 Ms. Mach stressed the need to work with children at a young age on crime prevention efforts and to encourage success in school.

 Mr. Herling asked about efforts to foster cultural awareness and cooperation among different ethnic groups. Mr. Ivey noted that some communities were doing better than others. He stressed the need for basic community involvement (PTA, community associations, youth sports activities, etc.) Mr. Herling asked where young people without direction go. Mr. Ivey responded that his office sees young males who basically “decide” to pursue a career in crime. He didn’t know how to motivate people without direction. Mr. Herling asked if surveillance cameras were useful in prosecutions. Mr. Ivey responded that cameras were very effective.

Mayor Davis noted the City’s legislative effort to eventually eliminate liquor licenses at gas stations. Ms. Pope noted the City’s efforts to get cameras at Roosevelt Center and emergency call boxes.

 The meeting ended at 9:07 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,

 David E. Moran
Assistant City Manager

 

 

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