CAMBRIDGE, MD – To tackle the recent spike in violent crime, Cambridge in Dorchester County is trying out a fresh approach.
The local police department is introducing a new role called Protect Coordinator. This job focuses on building stronger ties with the community and creating programs and events aimed at reducing crime.
The Protect Coordinator is part of the Public Resources Organizing to End Crime Together (PROTECT) program and isn’t your typical cop. Although they work under police supervision, they don’t have arrest powers. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention appointed this position. The main goal is to roll out community-focused strategies that help fight crime in the city.
Cambridge has seen an increase in violent crimes lately. Police Chief Justin Todd pointed out how important this program is for their ongoing efforts to lower crime rates.
This role is fully funded by Maryland’s state government, with the Cambridge Police Department managing its operations.
Lamont Goodson, who grew up in Dorchester County, will take on the PROTECT Coordinator job. Goodson has a strong background as a former U. S. Army counterintelligence agent, worked as a police officer in Howard County, and served as an FBI special agent, bringing plenty of experience to the table.
Chief Todd shared why this project matters so much: “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 duties include running programs, finding grant opportunities, and building key relationships between cops and locals. Chief Todd also said that having a PROTECT Coordinator means they can quickly deal with public nuisances and help solve problems affecting neighborhoods.
City leaders hope this new idea will change how young people view law enforcement. Tyler Collins, a pastor involved with Souls Harbor Church of God youth group, stressed the need to close the gap between kids and police – pushing for teamwork instead of conflict.
“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 voices like activist Shay Lewis-Sisco from Cambridge are hopeful about what this could mean long-term. She mentioned many folks aren’t aware of resources available around Dorchester County and thinks spreading that info will really help families across different neighborhoods. She added, “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.”
Setting up this PROTECT Coordinator spot shows there’s real teamwork going on here – all aimed at dealing with Cambridge’s biggest challenges while hoping more resources plus community involvement will help stop crimes from climbing further.
