Teen Arrested for Attempting to Sell Disability Placard Stolen from Car

(Click on the image for the report)

"Detectives today arrested a 16 year old for trying to sell a disability placard online that had recently been stolen from a car in the county. The investigation resulting in his arrest is just one of many ongoing investigations and efforts to stop and arrest thieves who are breaking into vehicles."

Remove the bait!

Human Trafficking = Modern Day Slavery

Human Trafficking is organized criminal activity

in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and

exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor).

(Click on the image for the brochure)

Those that need help or see something suspicious can call 311 in Prince George’s County or the National Human Trafficking Hotline directly at 888-373-7888 when outside the County. If you wish to learn more about how you can help, dial 311 in Prince George’s County or call the Human Relations Commission at 301-883-6170. In case of emergency or immediate danger call 911.

What Our County Has Received from MGM Video Lottery Terminal (Slot) and Table Game Taxes

(Click on the image for the current report)

Currently, there is no "sunset" for the "hold-harmless" provision so we may get $0 from the VLT taxes indefinitely.

Practice Proper Pet Protection During the Summer Heat

Excessive high temperatures can be dangerous not only to humans, but to your furry companions as well. With the hot, steamy days of summer upon us, you can help keep your pets safe, cool, healthy and happy during the high-heat of summer with a few helpful tips from the Prince George’s County Animal Management Division (AMD).

• Remember! It’s against the law in the State of Maryland to leave pets in an unattended vehicle. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 120 degrees. Overheating can kill an animal; NEVER leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even with the windows open or the air conditioning running.
• Consider giving your pet a summer haircut to a one-inch length to help prevent overheating, but avoid shaving your dog to protect them from sunburn. Also, take them to the vet or local pet clinic for a summer checkup.
• Walk your dog in the early morning or evening. When the temperature is very high, hot asphalt can quickly burn the paw pads of dogs. If possible, walk your pet in the grass. If you’re planning outdoor activities with your pet, remember to carry extra water and a container for them to drink from.
• Take special precautions with pets that are old, overweight or have health disorders. Snub-nosed dogs (Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus) or animals with flat faces (Pugs, Persian cats) have compromised respiratory systems and are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant effectively. These pets, along with overweight animals and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun. If you notice signs of overheating in your pets—excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate—get help from your veterinarian immediately.
• Don't forget about your livestock companions. Make sure you provide them with plenty of water as livestock animals, including horses and donkeys, can consume 10 to 20 gallons of water per day. 

Additional resources and information on keeping your pet healthy and safe in hot weather is available through the Prince George’s County Animal Management Division at (301) 780-7200 or www.princegeorgespets4us.com.

How Much Money Will the County Get from MGM and What Will It Be Used For?

More than half ($17.4 Million) of the FY 2018 MGM revenue will go to education but that's just a small fraction of the total $1.96 billion proposed funding for the Board of Education.

Police Battle Car Break-ins in Prince George's County

(Click on the image for Tracee Wilkins' News4 report)

• There are more than 2300 theft from vehicle cases in 2017.
• Don't make it easy for the bad guys:
• Take your stuff out!
• Lock your car!

See Warning Ticket Hopes to Prevent Car Breakins

Maryland State Police Trooper Hit by Drunken Driver

(Click on the image for Derrick Ward's News4 report)

• Trooper is in a hospital with a concussion. The driver who struck the Trooper was intoxicated and taken into custody.
• 38 Troopers struck last year while investigating incidents on the side of a road.
• Additional 20 cruisers struck while the Trooper was not in the vehicle.
• Law requires drivers to move over one lane to keep Public Safety people safe!

Majority of Prince George’s Co. residents say once-a-week trash pickup stinks

(Click on the image for  Nick Iannelli's WTOP report)

A new system of collecting garbage less frequently in Prince George’s County, Maryland, has not gone over very well with residents, according to a countywide study released on Thursday.
The survey results come a little over a year after the county council voted to have trash collected just once each week instead of twice as a means of saving money and promoting recycling.
According to the study, more than 74 percent of residents do not approve of the change and express interest in switching back to twice-a-week service. Less than 26 percent expressed support for the new system.
“While our change to once-a-week trash service had good intentions, the residents we serve have responded with overwhelming disapproval for this reduction in service,” said Prince George’s County Council member Mel Franklin, who released the survey results.
“I have particularly heard a great deal of negative feedback from our seniors, who have found physically adjusting to the change in service challenging.”

Prince George's County Outlaws Home Businesses Amid Crime Concerns

(Click on the image for Tracee Wilkins' News4 report)

"The Prince George’s County Council voted on Tuesday to make it illegal for residential homes to be used for commercial purposes.
The legislation will prevent homes from being used as party houses or restaurants without the proper permits needed for such businesses. Supporters of the legislation said the new rules will help cut down on extra traffic, noise and trash in their neighborhoods.
Opponents said some homeowners who use their residents as a business location do so for extra income to pay their mortgages. However, police were called to one of the home businesses for a homicide in January 2016.
Council members said the legislation will make it easier for police to shut down the businesses and punish those you operate them."
[See CB-030-2017]: This legislation prohibits the use of residential property for parties, events, assemblies, or gatherings open to the public in return for payment. The Police Department, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement, the Department of Public Works, and other County agencies, spend hundreds of hours attempting to prevent, investigate, and clean-up trash from these events. This misuse of residential property is adversely impacting the surrounding residential neighborhoods with increasing criminal activity (including human trafficking, homicides, robberies, and other violent crimes), illegal adult entertainment, litter, noise, and traffic, by inhibiting ingress and egress of vehicles (including emergency vehicles).
This legislation will allow the Police Department or Code Inspector the ability to issue an immediate order to cease and desist the prospectively planned prohibited activity, to the owner, lessee, resident or apparent occupier of the property, and posting the front door of the property.  If the event has occurred, a fine is levied for each offense.

WSSC Rate Structure Information

(Click on the image for the WSSC briefing and FAQs)

• This is the same briefing given on June 3rd at Obie Patterson's Community Meeting.
• Maryland Public Service Commission determined current WSSC rate structure unreasonable.
• Current 16-tier structure charges customers at their highest average daily consumption back to their "first drop" used.
• Current structure does not reflect cost of service.
• See The Washington Post article,"Meet the Maryland man who’s taking on one of the largest U.S. water utilities" for the background of this restructuring.
• WSSC expects to adopt the new rate structure in June 2018.
• WSSC is moving toward "smart" water meters that won't require meter readers. That will allow monthly billing instead of quarterly billing. 

Poisoned Water - A Lesson in Government, Science, and Civic Activism

(Click on the image for the PBS Nova report)

What exactly went wrong in Flint—and what does it mean for the rest of the country? Aired May 31, 2017 on PBS

“Flint was a casualty of arrogance, absence of accountability, shirking responsibility.” Bill Schuette, Michigan Attorney General.

“It’s not how government is supposed to work. It’s not how science is supposed to work.” Dayne Walling, Mayor of Flint, 2009-2015.
See also:

• "Top Michigan health official, four others charged with manslaughter in Flint water crisis" (The Washington Post)
• "A timeline of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan" (ABC News)
• "A Guide to the 15 Powerful People Charged With Poisoning Flint"