Annapolis is mobilizing its crime-fighting efforts with the appointment of an interim police chief from Baltimore County, who starts Monday, and a former police commissioner from New York who will advise him.
Mayor Ellen Moyer on Friday announced Michael Pristoop, who spent 21 years with the Baltimore City Police Department, will act as interim police chief and former New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir, who oversaw a 38 percent drop in crime under former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, will work with the police.
Moyer announced the new leadership team as part of the Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, a public safety initiative launched in February that combines state and federal crime-fighting resources.
“Chief [Joseph] Johnson has built an excellent force in Annapolis, and I look forward to working to make it even better,” said Pristoop in a statement.
“I am volunteering my help and experience in an effort to assure that Annapolis remains a safe and vibrant city,” said Safir, of Annapolis.
Pristoop, head of the state Department of General Services police, also is an attorney, a member of the Maryland Bar and a graduate of the FBI Academy, said Ray Weaver, city spokesman.
Moyer also appointed Beth Hart, a criminal justice professional, to coordinate the task Force. She is a former intelligence analyst for the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency.
“I hope the relationships we establish will help other cities stamp out illegal drugs and guns,” said Hart in a statement.
Five homicides have occurred in the city since January and 2007 saw a record-breaking eight homicides.
Annapolis will continue its national search for a permanent replacement for Johnson, who retires in June after 14 years as the city?s police chief.
