Anne Arundel County Police Chief Amal Awad Announces Significant Year-to-Date Decline in Crime Rates

The Anne Arundel County Police Department has made significant progress in reducing major crime categories across the county over the past year. This is due to proactive policing, data-driven strategies, responsible technology use, and strong community partnerships. This comprehensive approach has lowered crime rates, expedited case closures, and apprehended repeat offenders.

Substantial year-to-date decreases included:

* **Homicides:** 14% decrease.

* **Non-contact shootings:** 42% decrease.

* **Robberies:**

    * Carjackings: 57% decrease.

    * Robberies of citizens: 46% decrease.

    * Commercial robberies: 50% decrease.

* **Thefts:**

    * Stolen automobiles: 28% decrease (96 recovered, valued over $1,000,000).

    * Thefts from vehicles: 27% decrease.

The Real-Time Information Center (RTIC), which recently marked its first anniversary, is crucial to this success. The RTIC is a central hub that provides officers and detectives with real-time information, enhancing situational awareness and speeding up case closures. Technology like automated license plate readers (ALPRs), drones, and voluntary camera integration prevent crime, aid in arrests, and ensure public and officer safety.

County Executive Pittman stated, "These crime reduction numbers in our county go far beyond the national downward trends, and it’s the result of an integrated strategy. 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." Chief of Police Amal E. Awad added, "These reductions reflect more than statistics; they signify lives protected and a safer community. 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."

The "Connect Anne Arundel" program further supports our community-focused approach. This voluntary initiative allows residents and business owners to register their private exterior security cameras with the police department. This enables investigators to quickly access a list of nearby cameras and request footage in the event of a crime, proving vital for solving cases and showcasing police-community partnership.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department said it is committed to these proactive strategies to ensure the continued safety and security of all residents and workers.

Residents and businesses interested in learning more about the “Connect Anne Arundel” camera registry program can visit the site.