Local Police Dept. Defends Crime Strategy

PALMER PARK, Md. - An embattled police department is defending its way of fighting crime in the wake of criticism from rank and file officers.

Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson says his administration has committed a huge amount of resources to equipment, personnel and training. He also says he wants every police officer working and productive.

Leaders of Pr. George's Fraternal Order of Police have challenged the effectiveness of community policing deployment strategies developed by Chief Melvin High over the past two years.

High says his officers are making strides in reducing auto thefts and building relationships with business and community leaders. And the chief says he's told officers to make more arrests to reduce crime.

Since Jan. 1, there have been 97 homicides in the county, compared to 80 in nearly the first seven months of last year.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)