15-04-2025
Since ‘Crime Reduction Plan', Howard County PD reports no gun-related violence near Columbia mall
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. () — The Howard County Police Department (HCPD) and County Executive Calvin Ball announced Monday that it has created a new permanent unit to combat violence in Downtown Columbia.
This comes after the police department unveiled its new 'Crime Reduction Plan' in February. The plan includes the development of a permanent, full-time unit of police officers to The Mall in Columbia, Merriweather District and Columbia Lakefront areas.
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The department noted that officers will have a full-time satellite office inside the mall and will patrol the area around the mall 24 hours a day on foot, mountain bikes, ATVs and patrol cars.
'Combatting crime and reinforcing the public's sense of safety are the most critical parts of our mission,' said HCPD Police Chief Gregory Der. 'When we see an issue emerging, we make strategic decisions about resource allocation and crime-fighting strategies. We are fortunate that our recently increased staffing levels were approved by County Executive Ball and have enabled us to devote resources where they are most needed.'
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Officials added that while addressing crime in Downtown Columbia, the police department will focus on developing proactive strategies to stop serious crimes from happening.
As part of the initiative, police are also working with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to attend events for the juvenile monitoring program and increase positive interactions with teens in the system.
Over the last several months, multiple shootings have taken place in the Columbia area involving teenagers.
On Feb. 22, was killed outside near the mall in the parking lot. Several months later, on July 27, was shot and killed while walking out of the bathroom in the mall.
'We continue to work closely with HCPD and other stakeholders to take steps toward implementing strong measures to deter and combat crime in our community, as any act of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated as the safety of our residents and visitors remains our number one priority,' said Calvin Ball, Howard County executive. 'I applaud Police Chief Der and his staff for all that they do and continue to do to address and combat crime and make Howard County the safest place to live, work, play, grow, and thrive for all.'
Since implementing the 'Crime Reduction Plan,' police noted it has not received any reports of gun-related crimes or shootings in the area.
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