Keeping Safe on Local Paths Around Savage and Columbia

MEDIA ADVISORY

For release: April 30, 2010
Contact: Shelia Green, Columbia Association, 410-715-3171
Elizabeth Schroen, Howard County police, 410-313-2236
CA, Howard County police partner on public safety education

WHAT
Press conference announcing partnership between Columbia Association and Howard County police

WHO
County Executive Ken Ulman
CA President Phil Nelson
Police Chief William J. McMahon
County Councilwoman Mary Kay Sigaty

WHEN
Tuesday, May 4, at 3 p.m.

WHERE
Columbia Association Headquarters, 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia

The Columbia Association (CA) and Howard County police will announce a partnership to enhance public
safety in Howard County at a news conference next week. The two agencies will collaborate to raise awareness about local safety issues and encourage crime prevention.

“Our county has a reputation for being safe, but we are always striving to increase safety,” said County
Executive Ken Ulman. “Our police department does an incredible job in achieving this goal, but it is partnerships like this that will add another dimension to our efforts to prevent crime and maintain an enviable quality of life.”

As part of the partnership, CA and HCPD have launched a joint web site at http://www.howardcountysafety.org/. The site will feature monthly tips on timely crime issues, video clips highlighting safety messages, an archive, a calendar of public safety events, links to safety information and more. CA will also distribute the monthly messages through CA web sites and its three fitness facilities.

“The more organizations we have communicating these crime prevention messages, the more opportunity
we’ll have to enhance our community by keeping our residents alert and safe,” CA President Phil Nelson said.  The first public safety message, being released in May, highlights how residents can be smart and safe on the many pathways in Columbia and around Howard County.

“Knowledge is power against crime, and there are many things residents can do to prevent becoming a
victim,” Chief of Police William J. McMahon said. “We want to engage residents and teach them to be proactive instead of reactive.”

Police offer the following tips:
• Pathways are closed from dusk until dawn.
• Familiarize yourself with the paths, and know your route before you travel.
• Stay on the designated pathways, and do not venture off the path into isolated areas.
• When possible, bring a friend. Tell family or friends where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Stay alert, and carry a cell phone. Do not wear headphones because they may distract you.
• Thieves often target parking lots at area parks and near pathways. Do not leave your purse or wallet in your vehicle, and make sure your car is locked and the windows are up.
• Howard County police patrol paths on foot and bike during the day and night. If you see a crime in
progress, call 911. If you see suspicious activity, call 911 or the anonymous tip line at 410-313-STOP.