On Thursday night, I hosted a meeting on public safety that attracted more than 400 
residents of northeastern Baltimore County.
I would like to thank Senator Kathy Klausmeier for cosponsoring the meeting; our Baltimore County Police Department and Police Community Relations Councils for participating; Delegates Joe Boteler and Kathy Szeliga for their attendance; and St. Michael Lutheran Church for its hospitality.
The need for a youth escort policy was a central message from Thursday night; since then, the County Executive has lent his support, and I am now more confident than ever that the company that owns the mall will respond appropriately. In the meantime, Councilwoman Bevins and I continue to talk to the White Marsh precinct and other entities, such as The Avenue, about added security. For example, there have been extra precautions in place throughout the weekend.
I will do whatever I can to boost the number of police positions in the next budget. With a growing population, we simply need more personnel.
I want to again emphasize the importance of Police Community Relations Councils. This is a direct way you can remain engaged. Here is the Internet site that describes the work of Police Community Relations Councils.