Bowie, also known as Community Service Area 21, is part of Prince George's County's Police District II, headquartered at Route 301 and Trade Zone Avenue.

The new year brought a new command staff to District II, led by Maj. Michael Blow. Blow came to District II from the Office of Intelligence and Protective Services at headquarters in Palmer Park and has spent 16 years as a police officer.

"I believe every change is an opportunity and I am very glad to be here and am looking forward to working with my team," said Blow.

As of Feb. 1, there were 161 sworn officers assigned to District II and 23 were either temporarily assigned elsewhere or were out due to injury, illness or military duty.

Of the 138 remaining officers, 4.3 percent were assigned to administration, 77.5 percent to patrol, 18.1 percent to the investigative section and the remainder were assigned to the robbery suppression team or other special assignments.

Twenty-one officers from District II are assigned to CSA 21 with an additional six officers due to report to CSA 21 upon completion of their training this spring. Additionally, the city of Bowie has six contract officers who are required to stay within city limits.

A recent decision to collapse CSA 25 into CSA 24 has led to increased numbers of officers on duty per shift. Generally there are two or three officers, plus a supervisor on duty per shift for CSA 21 and two or three contract officers on duty per shift as well.

A school resource officer is assigned to each of the high schools in Bowie for the duration of the school day.

"This is an opportunity to do some bridge building and interacting with our youth when there is no crisis occurring. Young people see these officers daily and build relationships with them. It is often our school resource officers who know who the players are when an incident occurs and often the students willingly come to them with information," said Blow.

Due to rising community concerns, there has been much discussion about the prospect of Bowie having its own police force, an issue that will likely go up for referendum this fall.

Consistent with the philosophy behind community policing, Blow hopes to further engage the community in efforts to keep Bowie safe.

"We want to make sure we continue our good working relationship with the city of Bowie. I can't ask for a better situation. People are asking what they can do to help," said Blow.

Though he admits there will always be challenges, Blow is committed to creative problem solving and grateful for his colleagues. "I have a golden opportunity here with the desire and talent that exists among the officers and civilian staff at District II," said Blow.

You can read District II progress reports at www.cityofbowie.org. Click the link for City Council/Agendas, then staff reports, then select 2005 staff reports and look for the semi-annual police report linked to the Feb. 28 worksession.

District II contacts

Main number: 301-390-2100
Investigative section: 301-390-2160
Confidential tip line: 301-218-0571
Community policing: 301-390-2110
Crimesolvers: 866-411-TIPS
E-mail: district2@pg.co.md.us


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