The relationship between the police department and the community, Aberdeen's police chief says, was a key factor in the quick apprehension of two suspects last week after the east side of the city was rocked by a double murder.
He is encouraging the community to remain involved in public safety matters.
"The partnership between us and the community really counts, and it's times like this when we appreciate the members of the community," Chief Henry Trabert said during Monday's night's City Council meeting. "Without them we can't do our job effectively, so I want to say thanks to the people who live in that community for helping us solve that crime."
Trabert plans an open meeting with the community Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club, 100 E. Bel Air Ave., from 6 to 8 p.m.
He also said he has been meeting periodically with local rental property managers on safety and security concerns.
"We believe that there's a direct connection between the apartment complexes throughout Aberdeen and crime in certain areas," he said.
Taneisha Smothers, 31, of Aberdeen and Jumal Dudley, 43, of Havre de Grace, were shot to death early on the morning of June 13, according to police. The victims were found outside at a small apartment complex in the first block of East Bel Air Avenue around 3:15 a.m. Neither victim lived there, police said.
The APD arrested two people – Terrell Darnell Walton and Ronald Brian Comer Jr., both 29 and both from Aberdeen. They were taken into custody two days following the murders and have been held in jail without bail pending trial.
A Harford County prosecutor described the murders as and "execution-style slaying" during Comer's bail review hearing Thursday in District Court in Bel Air. Police said they believe Walton allegedly shot both victims.
"The Aberdeen Police Department acted swiftly in identifying suspects and acted swiftly in apprehending them," Mayor Patrick McGrady said.
The murders have prompted some residents to speak out about safety in East Aberdeen, which has had violent crime problems in the past.
Councilman Melvin Taylor said he attended a vigil at Grove Presbyterian Church the same night as the murders. The church is on East Bel Air Avenue in the neighborhood where the murders were.
Taylor said he also plans to attend Wednesday's police and community meeting at the Boys and Girls Club.
"I think it's high time there be some conversation about that side of Aberdeen," he said.
Police commanders, who will host the session, plan to discuss how the department handled the investigation of the murders and how to improve public safety in the area.
The chief noted all city residents are invited, especially those who live in the neighborhood.
"I want to hear what the community's concerns are, as far as how they feel about the job that we did over there, and they can let us know if they think the police department needs improve in certain areas," Trabert said. "We're willing to hear that, we want to hear it."
Visit the APD website, http://www.aberdeenpolice.org, or the Aberdeen Police Department page on Facebook for more information about Wednesday's meeting and other police community outreach events.
The most recent meeting between police officials and property managers was about 30 days ago, the chief said.
He said the meetings are designed to "get them all at one place at one time with the police so we can discuss matters of mutual concern," and the managers can compare notes on "mutual problems."
"We put all of our ideas together so we can attack crime problems and other issues to improve the quality of life in those neighborhoods," Trabert said.