The Prince George County Police Department (PGPD) is a law enforcement agency that serves Prince George County, Maryland. It was established in 1931 and is currently headed by Chief Hector Velez. With over 1,500 sworn officers and civilian employees, the department is dedicated to protecting and serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
Mission and Values
The PGPD's mission is to safeguard the lives and property of the people they serve, reduce crime and disorder, and enhance the quality of life in the county. Their core values are:
- Integrity - They are committed to the highest ethical standards and professionalism.
- Respect - They treat everyone with dignity and fairness.
- Accountability - They take responsibility for their actions and are transparent in their dealings.
- Collaboration - They work together with the community and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
- Innovation - They continuously seek better ways to serve and protect.
Organization and Structure
The PGPD is divided into several divisions, each responsible for specific functions:
- Patrol Division - This is the largest division and is responsible for responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and conducting community policing activities.
- Investigative Division - This division is responsible for conducting criminal investigations, including major crimes, narcotics, and vice.
- Special Operations Division - This division is responsible for specialized units, such as SWAT, K-9, and aviation.
- Administrative Division - This division is responsible for administrative functions, such as training, recruitment, and budgeting.
Community Policing
The PGPD is committed to community policing, which is a philosophy of policing that emphasizes building relationships between the police and the community. This approach recognizes that the police cannot solve all problems alone and that the community has a role to play in preventing and solving crime.
The PGPD has several programs and initiatives that promote community policing, such as:
- Neighborhood Watch - This is a program that encourages residents to watch out for each other and report suspicious activity to the police.
- Police Athletic League (PAL) - This is a program that provides after-school activities for youth, such as sports and mentoring.
- Citizen Police Academy - This is a program that educates citizens about the workings of the police department.
- Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) - This is a program that trains officers to respond to calls involving individuals with mental health issues.
Technology and Innovation
The PGPD is constantly seeking ways to use technology to enhance its operations and better serve the community. Some examples of technology and innovation initiatives include:
- Body-worn cameras - PGPD officers wear cameras that record their interactions with the public, which can be used as evidence in court and improve transparency.
- ShotSpotter - This is a system that uses sensors to detect gunfire and alert officers to its location.
- Crime mapping - This is a tool that allows residents to view crime statistics and trends in their neighborhood.
- Social media - The PGPD uses social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, to communicate with the community and provide updates on incidents.
Career Opportunities
The PGPD offers a variety of career opportunities for those interested in law enforcement. Some of the positions available include:
- Police officer - This is the entry-level position and requires completing a training academy.
- Investigator - This position requires specialized training and experience in criminal investigations.
- Specialist - This position requires specialized skills, such as in forensics or technology.
- Administrative staff - This position supports the department in areas such as finance, human resources, and IT.
Conclusion
The Prince George County Police Department is an important institution in the community, dedicated to protecting and serving with professionalism, integrity, and compassion. Through its commitment to community policing, use of technology and innovation, and career opportunities, the PGPD continues to make strides in ensuring the safety and well-being of the people it serves.