Monday, October 31, 2016

Making a Difference! Col. Barnes interacts w/ the Boys to Men Survival Boot Camp to encourage young men #PGSO is everywhere!


#PGSO 5th Annual Domestic Violence Partnership Luncheon at the Oxon Hill Manor

Click Here For Photo Album

With the community’s support and a successful Maryland launch of the “Purple Light Nights” (PLN) campaign in 2014 the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff determined that we would hold a lighting ceremony every year at the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  On PLN, we are more determined than ever, to bathe our county in purple and to raise awareness and a unified voice against domestic violence… one porch light at a time and one window at a time.

Fort Foote Baptist Church performs "The Silence"

Ft Foote Baptist Church in Ft Wash MD not only lit up Purple but they performed a deeply moving play “The Silence” for Domestic Violence Awareness Month #PGSO is Everywhere.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Capital Wheel is Raising Domestic Violence Awareness

October is Domestic Violence Month and the Capital Wheel at National Harbor will light up Purple on Friday October 21st and Thursday October 27th with a special 20% off to riders that bring this coupon.



Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

Attempted Second Degree Murder Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Sean Makel of Capitol Heights, MD on a warrant for Attempted Second Degree Murder that was obtained by the County Police on August 23, 2016.

According to the warrant, on August 13, 2016, in the 6900 block of Walker Mill Road in Capitol Heights, MD, Makel approached a group of males and advised them to leave the property. They refused to leave and Makel left the area but later returned at which time he and one of the males became engaged in an argument that escalated into a fight. During the fight, Makel is alleged to have pulled a handgun, which he fired, striking the victim in the leg, and fled the scene.

On October 5, 2016, Sheriff Deputies’ received information about Makel’s whereabouts. He was located in the 6000 block of Mountain Lake Place in Capitol Heights, MD where he was taken in to custody without incident.

Makel is also charged with First and Second Degree Assault, Firearm Use/ Felony Violent Crime, Reckless Endangerment and Handgun on Person.
 
Second Degree Rape Suspect Arrested

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Shawn Beal of Bowie, MD on a warrant for Second Degree Rape that was obtained by the County Police on September 29, 2016.

According to the warrant, on August 24, 2016 in the 12000 block of Hallandale Terrace in Bowie, MD, Bryant engaged in unwanted sexual contact with a female victim.

On October 6th, Warrant/Fugitive Division Deputies located Beal outside of a restaurant in Bowie where deputies’ positivity identified him. Beal was taken into custody and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.

Shawn Beal is also charged with Second Degree Assault and False Imprisonment.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.

The 14th Annual Clackamus County Domestic Violence #PGSO

Upper Marlboro, MD… The Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff (PGSO) said it conducted a two-phase warrant sweep as part of its participation in the Clackamus County 14th Annual National Family Violence Apprehension Detail on October 18th and 19th.

Sheriff’s deputy teams conducted the early morning first phase of the sweep and were joined by teams from other law enforcement partners in the overnight phase two sweep. Participating agency teams included the U. S. Marshals Service, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Maryland State Police, Maryland National Capital Park Police, Prince Georges County Police (PGPD), the County Department of Corrections and Public Safety Communications, Capitol Heights Police Department, Glenarden Police Department, Bladensburg Police Department, Greenbelt Police Department, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.

During the sweeps, teams attempted warrant service at 552 addresses that resulted in the arrest of 136 individuals to close 153 outstanding warrants. The domestic violence related charges of those arrested included Attempt 1st Degree Murder, Assault 1st and 2nd Degree, Violation of Exparte Order (Protective Order), 1st Degree Burglary, Stalking, Malicious Destruction of Property, Human Trafficking, 1st Degree Child Cruelty, Carjacking, and Domestic related Felony Theft.

Lieutenant Colonel Marc Roccapriore, Bureau Chief Field Operations said, “I’m proud of the relationships we have with our regional law enforcement partners. The strength of those partnerships enables us to assemble enormous professional resources to focus on a singular mission – to bring Domestic Violence perpetrators before the courts, and to spread the message that "Domestic Violence has no place in our community”.

Started over 15 years ago by Clackamus County Sheriff Craig Roberts when he was still a detective, the Clackamus County Annual Warrant Sweep takes place every year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In 2015 2,645 law enforcement members in 36 states participated in the sweep; they attempted to serve 8,949 warrants and made 1,761 arrests nationwide.

 For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354. ###

Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report



Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrest:
                                                                 
CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Suspect Arrested


Sheriff’s deputies arrested Marquise Fountain of Capitol Heights MD, on an arrest warrant for CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute that was obtained by County Police on September 7, 2016.


According to the warrant, on June 30th, Fountain was stopped by county police for a traffic violation. As the officer approached the vehicle he detected the strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside the vehicle. Fountain and a passenger who were removed from the vehicle stated that they’d just finished smoking marijuana. The warrant further states that in a search of the vehicle suspected marijuana and suspected heroin were found with an estimated street value of $1000.


Upon receiving the warrant deputies learned that Fountain was located at an address in the 4000 block of Rail Street in Capitol Heights MD. Deputies went to the address where Fountain opened the door and was advised he had a warrant.  He was taken into custody and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections without incident

Fort Foote Baptist Church Domestic Violence Ministry Joins #PGSO's Purple Light Nights

The Fort Foote Baptist Church Domestic Violence Ministry shares the important message of Domestic Violence Awareness Month -"Domestic Violence has no Place in our Community" 


Wednesday, October 19, 2016

PGSO Congratulates Deputy Gay on MPCTC-Academy Instructor of the Year Award

 
Congratulations to Corporal A. Gay
on receiving the Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commissions Academy
PGSO Instructor of the Year Award  

Ask For Help...... #PGSO


Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Attempted First Degree Murder Suspect Arrested



Warrant/Fugitive Division Felony Arrest Report
Upper Marlboro, MD…The Sheriff’s Office Warrant/Fugitive Division reported the following felony arrests:

Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kayode Familino of District Heights, MD on an arrest warrant for Attempted First Degree Murder obtained by the City of New Carrolton Police Department on September 9, 2016.


According to the warrant, on September 8, Familino sent several threatening text messages to a person that owed him money. Familino and the individual agreed to meet at a shopping center in New Carrollton, MD. When the person drove into the parking lot Familino and two unidentified males are alleged to have chased them until they had the person’s vehicle blocked. Familino and the two unidentified males are alleged to have shot into the victim’s car, striking two passengers before they were able to drive away.

Upon receipt of the warrant on September 10, deputies’ investigation determined that Familino was staying at an address in the 1800 block of Forest Park Drive in District Heights, MD.  Deputies went to the address and knocked on the door when they observed a man matching Familino’s description fleeing through a back door. The man was stopped, identified as Familino, taken into custody without further incident, and transported to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.

Familino is charged with Attempted First and Second Degree Murder, First and Second Degree Assault, Firearm Use in a Felonious Violent Crime, Handgun on Person, Handgun in Vehicle, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Reckless Endangerment.

For more information contact the Communications and Public Affairs Division at 301-780-7354.



Monday, October 17, 2016

PGSO at the Annual 5K Run for the Badge

 Prince George's County Sheriff's  Deputies with Fallen Deputy Sergeant James Arnaud's daughter Jamie and President Craig Floyd of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund 5K Run for the Badge last Saturday.

Our partners at Family Services got the Beautiful Capitol Wheel at National Harbor lit again for Purple Light Nights during Domestic Violence Awareness Month


Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Purple lights shine outside College Park City Hall for Domestic Violence Awareness Month


City Hall is using purple lights as a part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (Tom Hausman/The Diamondback)

Published 12:06 AM
When people pass by College Park City Hall at night throughout the month of October, they will see an unusual sight ­— purple lights shining around the building.
After driving past that scene, city officials hope people will do a quick online search to discover the lights are part of a larger campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence, Mayor Patrick Wojahn said.
The Purple Light Nights campaign began in 2007, when founder Victoria Throm launched it in Covington, Washington. The program has now grown to span across 32 states, four providences in Canada, and the territory of Guam, said Throm, who now serves as Purple Light Nights CEO.
"Purple is a symbolic color of domestic violence, so I thought of shining a purple light in everybody's front porch as a symbol to remember those that died, support the survivors and give hope to those still living with abuse," Throm said. "Each county and city kind of does their own format; we just ask that people maintain the integrity of the name and logo."
Areas participate through tree lighting, porch lighting, bridges or building lighting and 5k walks, Throm said. Congress recognizes October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month.
"What your county is doing is being very proactive, and I will not be surprised if more people, because of this, will come forward and ask for help," Throm said.
This is the first year the council is participating in the campaign, Wojahn said. After initially receiving information about the program, he proposed support for it in a council meeting, and that motion passed unanimously.
"I think it's a great idea. We certainly need to raise awareness about domestic violence," Wojahn said. "This is especially important given the murder-suicide that took place a couple weeks ago right here in College Park."
According to Wojahn, the council works closely with Prince George's County Police to make sure domestic violence victims are receiving treatment if needed. Some resources available to victims include social service agencies, non-profit agencies and county courthouses, which can assist victims with the legal side of things.
"This is something I would like us to keep on doing in years to come," Wojahn said. "This problem is not going to go away, and this is a fairly simple and easy thing that we can do to raise awareness and help combat domestic violence."
The Prince George's County Sheriff's Office has been very involved with the Purple Light Nights campaign, Throm said. Corporal Ricardo Dennis said that the office has been actively participating for three years.
The office first became involved because officers see many domestic abuse situations firsthand while responding to 911 calls, Dennis said.
"We'd like everyone to be able to shine a light either in their window or their porch light, to let the community know that we stand together as a community united against domestic violence," he added.
Every year, the office hosts various events during October, which are kicked off by a Purple Night Lights lighting ceremony. This year's lighting ceremony took place Oct. 3 at the Family Justice Center in Upper Marlboro, which opened in the county June 10.
Dennis said the center is a significant new addition to the fight against domestic violence because it offers a wide range of services for the victims.
"It's a place where anybody who is a victim of domestic violence can go to, and they have different advocates and resources … everything is in one location, including child care," he said.
Advocates from the sheriff's office work with counselors at the center, with a shared goal of making domestic violence victims as comfortable as possible, Dennis said.
"There are a lot of resources out here, and there are a lot of things that we can do, but if people don't speak up and people don't let us know that they need help, we can't help them," Dennis said. "We want to be able to help everyone who suffers from this."

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Look at the Warning Signs': Expert on DC Domestic Violence


Help is available in Prince George's County, MD 
Call the 24 hour hotline 301-731-1203


Friday, October 7, 2016

Denise McCain - Director of the Family Justice Center appears on NBC4 "Safe at Home" series #PGSO

If an emergency, always call 9-1-1
 or
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-779-SAFE (7233) or www.ndvh.org

Fire Prevention Week & PGFD Open House Events #PGSO

"Don't Wait- Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years"
 
 
Everyone is invited to attend a PGFD Open House to learn more about fire prevention and the life and death importance of working smoke alarms.
 
Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Inc.
4905 Branchville Road, College Park
Sunday, October 9, 2016 Times TBD
For additional info visit their website at www.BVFCO11.com
 
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Open House
St. Joseph Fire/EMS Station 806
2901 St. Joseph Drive, Springdale
Saturday, October 15, 2016 11:00 am until 3:00 pm
For additional information Email TACrisman@co.pg.md.us
Bowie Volunteer Fire Department
15454 Annapolis Road
Saturday, October 15, 2015 11:00 am until 4:00 pm
For additional information visit www.bowiefire.org
 
Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department
6200 Belcrest Road
Saturday, October 22, 2016 10:00 am until 2:00 pm
For additional Information visit their website at www.hvfd.com
 
Capitol Heights Volunteer Fire Department
6061 Central Avenue
Saturday, October 29, 2016 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm


Thursday, October 6, 2016

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Sheriff High thanks citizens for joining the fight against Domestic Violence at Purple Light Nights® Lighting Ceremory #PGSO

In his remarks Sheriff said:

 " We've made great progress. Five years ago, no one was really talking about Domestic Violence in the open and public way we do today. If we go back, the Family Justice Center was not on the horizon; Purple Light Nights was not on the horizon; Police and Sheriff advocacy where we go beyond enforcement was not as well defined as it as today" 

Col. Palmer recognizes law enforcement partners support for Purple Light Night® #PGSO


Domestic Violence Has No Place In Our Community - Help is Available! Call the Family Justice Center at 301-780-8008 #PGSO

" Domestic Violence Has No Place in Our Community"

Purple Light Nights® Lighting Ceremony - Community United in the fight against Domestic Violence #PGSO


Presenting Sponsor Pepco's VP Debbi Javis & Keynote Director Denise McCain of the Family Justice Center at Purple Light Nights® #PGSO


NBC4 talks with three experts about Domestic Violence on "Safe at Home" series



Karma Cottman, of the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Sophie Ford of the Family Crisis Center of Prince George's County; and Debbie Evans, division chief of the Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program in Alexandria.