LA PLATA, Md. – The Charles County Board of County Commissioners discussed plans for potential neighborhood nuisances in Stonehaven during the 4th of July at their June 26, 2024 meeting.
The meeting was requested to address concerns raised during public comments on June 25 about neighborhood safety and security, according to Reuben Collins, the Commissioner President of the Charles County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioners do have the ability to act emergently under the current statutory scheme, according to Wes Adams, the County Attorney of Charles County.
Under the local government Article § 10-328, commissioners have the power over health, safety, and public nuisances. Under the Public Safety articles 14-102 and 111, it confers Commissioner President Collins with the authority to issue a local state of emergency.
Although commissioners do have the authority to act emergently, there is no evidence, data, nor a real and substantial relationship that a curfew for juveniles would have a fundamental impact on the problems voiced by the community, Adams said.
Data from calls the Sheriff’s Department has received from the neighborhood, does not support an emergency approach but rather a daily law enforcement approach to the neighborhood, according to Adams.
“My opinion to the Board of County Commissioners is that they do not implement any or seek to implement any curfew because I don’t think it’s justified by the evidence that’s been presented to the Board at this time,” Adams said.
Open dialogue with community members and HOAs has been beneficial in determining plans of action during holidays, according to Chief Schinner of La Plata.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office will mobilize all resources available to address issues on the 4th of July to monitor activities that may occur.
“Some of the things we can do as the Board of Commissioners and we have been doing, are trying to provide alternatives for our youth to do,” Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling said.
Despite this, there still may be some individuals who are not open to those alternatives and cause problems which is the main concern.
The Charles County Sheriff’s Office was not able to discuss their strategies and methods to control nuisances at the public forum as Sheriff Berry was unable to attend the meeting. They reassured the community that they do have a plan and will be on guard throughout the day to ensure safety regarding community concerns.
Commissioner Amanda Stewart suggested neighborhoods that are having issues with trespassing have the appropriate signage so officers can act according to the law, she said.
Commissioner Bowling reassured residents that he spoke with the Sheriff prior to the meeting and vouched that there is definitely a strategic plan in place, he said.
Commissioner Bowling mentioned previous methods he had observed in the past as a former officer that could be used during the holiday such as stationary cruisers, roving patrols, monitoring cameras, etc.
Residents’ safety concerns have brought a lot of attention to the matter, putting the issue on the front burner for authorities to address, according to Bowling.
Commissioner Thomasina Coates suggested the Sheriff’s Department announce their plans to the Stonehaven community as soon as possible once the Sheriff returns as she believes they shouldn’t be left in the dark about what’s going to happen, she said.
Bowling requested to put the Sheriff on the agenda for a meeting within the next two sessions to give him an opportunity to address concerns and deliver long-term plans for the community, he said.
“The Sheriff has an open invitation whenever he wants to speak directly to the public, there is nothing that would limit his ability to do that,” Commissioner President Collins said.
Commissioner President Collins closed the meeting out by mentioning the Charles County Government Media Services Division which is introducing a number of public opportunities to talk about neighborhood safety and security, he said. This includes common ground and conversation meetings in each district in the county.
Additional information can be found on the county’s social media platforms and website. To watch the full meeting, click here.
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