The Anne Arundel County Police Department today announced a significant drop in major crime categories across the county over the past year. The reduction in crime can be attributed to proactive police work, data-driven strategies, the responsible use of technology, and strong community partnerships. This approach has not only driven down crime but has also aided in quicker case closures and the apprehension of repeat offenders, effectively disrupting crime sprees.
Recent data highlights a substantial year-to-date decrease in several key areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of our officers' dedication and technological advancements. Homicides are down 14% and non-contact shootings are down 42%. Robberies have seen a dramatic decline, with carjackings down 57%, robberies of citizens down 46%, and commercial robberies reduced by 50%. Thefts have also fallen, including a 28% drop in stolen autos and a 27% reduction in thefts from vehicles. Additionally, 96 stolen automobiles have been recovered this past year with the stolen autos valued over $1,000,000.
A cornerstone of this achievement is the department's Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), which recently marked its one-year anniversary. The RTIC serves as a centralized technology and information hub, providing officers and detectives with critical information in real-time. By leveraging sophisticated data analysis and a network of information sources, the RTIC acts as a "virtual partner," improving situational awareness for officers responding to calls and helping close cases with unprecedented speed. This responsible application of technology such as automated license plate readers (ALPR’s), drones and voluntary business camera integration and residential camera registration have been instrumental in preventing crime, aiding in the swift apprehension of criminals, and ensuring the safety of both officers and the public.
“These crime reduction numbers in our county go far beyond the national downward trends, and it’s the result of an integrated strategy,” said County Executive Pittman. “Our outstanding police officers, our Real Time Information Center, our high levels of community engagement, and the opportunities that we offer through re-entry, education, and employment all contribute to the progress we are making.”
“These reductions reflect more than statistics; they signify lives protected and a safer community,” said Anne Arundel County Chief of Police Amal E. Awad. “This success is a direct result of the tireless dedication and exceptional work of our police officers and professional staff in tandem with the invaluable partnership we share with our community. While technology is a powerful tool, it is the skill of our personnel and the earned trust of our community that make the difference, allowing us to solve crimes more quickly and prevent repeat offenses. While we are proud of these reductions, we recognize there is more work for us to accomplish together.”
Central to this community-focused approach is the "Connect Anne Arundel" program. This voluntary initiative allows residents and business owners to register their private exterior security cameras with the police department. In the event of a crime, investigators can quickly and easily see a list of registered cameras in the vicinity and request footage from the owners. This program has proven to be a vital resource for solving crimes and serves as a perfect example of the partnership between police and the community.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department remains committed to these proactive strategies, ensuring the continued safety and security of all who live and work in the county. The department extends its gratitude to the community for its ongoing support and collaboration.
Residents and businesses interested in learning more about the “Connect Anne Arundel” camera registry program can visit the site.
***𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.
