CAMBRIDGE, MD - In a move aimed at addressing the surge in violent crime, the city of Cambridge in Dorchester County has announced a unique approach to crime prevention.
The police department is set to unveil a novel position known as a Protect Coordinator, an initiative designed to foster community engagement and tackle crime through innovative programs and events.
The Protect Coordinator, an integral part of the Public Resources Organizing to End Crime Together (PROTECT) initiative, is distinct from a traditional police officer. While supervised by the police, individuals in this role will not possess the authority to make arrests. The position has been appointed by the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention. The PROTECT Coordinator's primary focus will be on implementing community-centric strategies to combat crime in the city.
Cambridge is grappling with a rise in violent incidents. Police Chief Justin Todd emphasized the necessity of this program in the ongoing efforts to curb crime.
Importantly, the position is fully funded by the state of Maryland, with the Cambridge Police overseeing its execution.
Lamont Goodson, a native of Dorchester County, assumes the role of PROTECT Coordinator. Goodson, a former U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, and a seasoned police officer in Howard County, as well as a special agent for the FBI, brings a wealth of experience to the position.
Police Chief Todd expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, "It's important for us because it's part of one of the higher crime areas in the state, per capita. So, it gives us an opportunity to add to our community-oriented police strategy."
Goodson's responsibilities include coordinating programs, identifying grants, and fostering crucial relationships between law enforcement and citizens. Chief Todd highlighted the potential for the PROTECT Coordinator to address public nuisances promptly and assist in solving community problems.
Leaders within the city anticipate that this innovative approach will transform the relationship between youth and the police. Tyler Collins, a pastor with the Souls Harbor Church of God youth group, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement, fostering collaboration rather than an adversarial relationship.
"I think we need to bridge the gap. It can be a very adversarial relationship, kind of an 'us versus them' mentality. And I hope this person can meet the youth where they are and work with them," said Collins.
Community leaders, including Cambridge activist Shay Lewis-Sisco, expressed optimism about the initiative's potential impact. Lewis-Sisco highlighted the lack of awareness about available resources in Dorchester County and believes that raising awareness will be beneficial to families in various communities. She says, "The main issues in Dorchester County is the lack of awareness in the amount of resources that exist. So, raising the awareness of how he can be a resource to the families in those various communities is definitely one of those things that i believe would be beneficial."
The introduction of the PROTECT Coordinator role represents a collaborative effort to address the main issues facing Cambridge, with the hope that additional resources and community engagement will contribute to the prevention of rising crime.
