Councilmember Ingrid Watson holds community forum on crime 

By Reginald WilliamsSpecial to the AFRO More than 200 Prince George’s County citizens filled the Bowie State University’s Student Center Ballroom on Nov. 28 to partake in the community forum on rising youth crime. Also in attendance were Prince George’s County law enforcement and local and state representatives. Sponsored by Councilmember Ingrid Watson (D-District 4), the forum’s goals, according to the councilwoman, were: To hear from the panel experts on crime and learn its impact on communities; Share thoughts about solutions; Review proposed legislation to address those crimes; Connect with members of the community. “This is an opportunity to create an action plan of how to move forward beyond the forum,” said Watson, who believes the forum is a start to creating solutions. As in many communities nationwide, there is a rising concern amongst the residents regarding the escalation of violence. According to Circuit Court documents, from Jan. 1, 2019-Oct. 31, 2023, there were 450 carjackings in Prince George’s County. Violent crimes over the past 12 months increased 9 percent to 4,163 attacks (murder, sex offenses, robbery, assault and domestic violence) from 3,815 in 2022.  Sen. Ronald L. Watson (D-Prince George’s County) and panelists introduced some aggressive legislation to address...