During a recent budget work session, the Prince George - Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee focused on critical issues affecting public safety, particularly the operations of the Sheriff's Department. A key highlight was the ongoing challenges in managing domestic violence cases, which have seen a reduction in resources due to increased court demands.

Committee members expressed concern over the current state of domestic violence response efforts. The Sheriff's Department is no longer operating under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Prince George's County Police Department for handling domestic violence calls in the central region. This shift has resulted in a decrease in support for these cases, as staffing has been redirected to address heightened security needs at the Upper Marlborough Courthouse, which is experiencing a surge in visitors—approximately 4,000 per month.

The committee learned that the recent tragic death of a judicial officer has intensified the focus on court security, necessitating two deputy sheriffs per criminal courtroom and one per civil courtroom. This requirement has strained the department's resources, leading to concerns about staffing deficits as they strive to meet these new mandates.

Despite these challenges, the Sheriff's Department continues to manage peace and protective orders across the county, with current figures showing nearly 2,000 active cases. However, the rising demand for protective orders and the need for additional staffing to comply with state mandates pose significant hurdles moving forward.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of addressing these public safety issues, as they work to ensure adequate resources are allocated to protect vulnerable populations while maintaining courtroom security. The next steps will involve a staffing study to assess the department's needs and explore potential hiring solutions to bridge the gap.