Police and Elected Officials Provide Update on Crime and Safety in Downtown Silver Spring

On Wednesday, Montgomery County elected officials held a press conference to discuss efforts made to improve public safety in Downtown Silver Spring.

Per the news release: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was joined today by County Council Vice President Kate Stewart, Council President Andrew Friedson and Councilmembers Evan Glass and Natali Fani-Gonzalez to provide an update on measures to improve public safety and reduce crime in Downtown Silver Spring.  Others attending included Police Chief Marcus Jones, Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce President Stephanie Helsing, Ethio-American Chamber of Commerce Chair Elias Woldu and residents.

“We are improving public safety in Downtown Silver Spring by increasing staffing, investing in technology and ensuring that we are effectively engaging and communicating with this community,” said County Executive Elrich. “I appreciate our collaboration and partnerships with the County Council, the Montgomery County Police Department, residents and businesses to create a safer and more prosperous Silver Spring. Silver Spring is a vibrant and diverse epicenter that is critical to our County’s economy and quality of life. We are doing everything possible to make everyone feel safe and welcome here.”

Crime prevention measures for Silver Spring include:

• New legislation to limit late-night hours for hookah lounges. The legislation was passed by the County Council on Tuesday, April 2, and the County Executive will sign it into law in the coming days.
• Drone as First Responder Program pilot. Expanded hours (50 percent more hours per week) included in County Executive’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Recommended Operating Budget.
• Late-night safety plan requirement for businesses open in the late evening.
• Increased late-night business compliance checks.
• Private security camera program, which provides up to $250 rebates for eligible residences to purchase one security camera and for a qualifying business or nonprofit organization to purchase up to five security cameras.
• Parking garage camera expansion.
• Expanded use of license plate readers at fixed locations and attached to police dashboard cameras.
• Increased police recruitment efforts,
• Expanding mobile crisis outreach teams and shelter security to free up police officer time for crime prevention.
• Expanded use of foot and bike patrols and patrols of parking garages, with additional support from the Maryland State Police.

“Like many communities across the DMV and the nation, we have seen a rise in certain crimes in our community, which causes concern for us all,” said Council Vice President Stewart, whose district includes Silver Spring. “Today, we are joining with law enforcement, the County Executive, colleagues on the Council, and community members to demonstrate our commitment to keeping Silver Spring a place for everyone–families, our youth, businesses and our visitors–a place where we can feel and be safe. Over the last year, we have put in place investments in public safety, such as the drone program, and with assets in the community, such as the Silver Spring Aquatics Center. We have seen new businesses opening, from the new Java Nation to Uniqlo and Nike. Ensuring Silver Spring remains a place for everyone to enjoy is ongoing work and I am committed to continuing that work in partnership with members of the community, our Police Department and businesses.”

The County is working on multiple fronts to address concerns. The early results from the Drone as First Responder Program have been positive. The program currently services Downtown Silver Spring and Wheaton. The County Executive is proposing an expansion of hours and adding additional sites in Germantown/Gaithersburg/Montgomery Village and Bethesda in his FY25 budget.

“The Drone as a First Responder Program has revolutionized our approach to critical incidents,” said Police Chief Jones. “It not only assists our officers, but often arrives on scene before them, providing crucial situational awareness and enhancing our response capabilities.”

Council President Friedson said protecting the public in Silver Spring is a high-priority issue.

“There is no greater priority than public safety. Nothing else we do in County government matters unless our residents and businesses feel safe in their day-to-day lives,” said Council President Friedson. “Silver Spring continues to be one of the most important communities in our County and region. That’s why we are working collaboratively with local businesses and community partners to redouble our efforts to ensure Silver Spring is safe and successful and continues to be a desirable place to live and work.”

The County also is expanding other services and making other changes to lessen the burden on police responses and allow them to focus on where they are most needed and effective.  Additional Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams are planned so that police are not responding to a mental health crisis. More security is being added to Progress Place, a shelter in Silver Spring.

“As a 25-year resident of Silver Spring, I have seen the area’s growth and heard my neighbors’ concerns about public safety,” said Councilmember Glass. “Through our recent efforts to bolster nightlife safety, improve police response times and provide more neighborhoods with security options, we are actively working to make Silver Spring a safe and welcoming place to live, work and play.”