LANHAM, Md. (DC News Now) — Trying to prevent late-night crimes and keep people safe is the mission of the Prince George’s County Council.
Officials are hoping to pass new legislation that would require businesses to make security upgrades to protect customers and employees.
Councilmember Krystal Oriadha said the proposed bill known as the Late Night Safety Plan is long overdue.
“We really have seen an uptick in crime robberies at a lot of our gas stations and tobacco stores and carjackings at our gas stations and laundromats,” Oriadha said.
Council members are frustrated and fed up with crime that happens late at night, so they introduced a bill to address late-night safety.
The bill was passed this week in committee. It would require businesses that operate from midnight to 4 a.m. to step up its security measures.
“Extra lighting and surveillance cameras, training for security staff or employees all the way to onsite security,” Oriadha said.
Sarah Price opposes the proposed legislation. She is the Vice President of the Maryland Retailers Alliance.
“So the concern from the membership at the Maryland Retailers Alliance is the cost of compliance for this, and the lack of clarity that would impact businesses having to upgrade security measures. This type of proposal is frustrating,” Price said.
Despite the opposition, Oriadha said the bill is a good step forward and hopes it will make a difference.
“The goal is not to penalize the businesses, but we want them to be part of the solution and take the time to work with police to figure out what the standard should be,” she said.
The council is hoping to have a public hearing and then take a final vote sometime in November.
