Howard County police said they need a full-time firearms investigator to combat the county?s rise in firearms crimes.
“This is more of a proactive rather than a reactive approach,” said Capt. Tara Nelson, Criminal Investigations Bureau commander for Howard police.
Between 2004 and 2006, robberies by firearms accounted for almost half of the total robberies in Howard, and between 2005 and 2006, firearms assaults jumped by 60 percent, she said.
The Governor?s Office of Crime and Control gave the police a $89,396 grant to fund the position.
“With this new position, we?re hoping to make sure there is appropriate screening for any case that involves firearms, so detectives can have access to all resources to prepare firearms cases for future prosecution,” Nelson said.
Firearms cases are divided among the violent crimes, robbery or domestic violence units, she said.
The Howard County Council is considering a bill at tonight?s meeting that would transfer the money from a contingency fund to the police.
Howard Council Chairman Calvin Ball, D-District 2, said, “I?m anxious to hear thoughts from the county executive and police department on why there is a need for this position.”
Ball said the funding may be tweaked after officials look at comparable positions and the expectations of the person in the position.
If the position is approved, the police will begin reviewing applicants? experience.
The new detective is expected to begin Nov. 1.
“We?re trying to get things moving very quickly,” Nelson said.
