Howard County Police Chief William McMahon took a formal oath of office Monday, embarking on an ambitious plan to reduce crime and increase police staffing.
“The good thing is we have a department that has done so well,” McMahon said Monday. “The challenge for me is seeing that we continue to take the department in the right direction.”
In a 47-page report that outlines his goals, McMahon wrote that he wants to focus on violent crime, property crime and repeat offenders.
McMahon said he also wants to address a rise in crimes involving juveniles and pre-teens.
McMahon is also seeking to expand the department?s capacity to investigate computer crimes.
“Folks now are using their computers for traditional crimes,” McMahon said. “They keep their records on computers, involving drug investigations, child abuse, child porn. It?s a whole other element.”
County Executive Ken Ulman has said he plans to support McMahon?s crime-fighting initiatives by adding about 20 police officers every year while he?s in office.
“[Ulman] recognizes that we need to add some patrol staffing,” McMahon said. “We have a great tradition of service we provide. If we can continue that same level of service and that same respect in the community, then we?ll have done our job.”
