MoCo Split On Approach To Police Reform: Early Survey Results

SILVER SPRING, MD — Residents are split on what Montgomery County police should focus on, and whether money should be shifted from the police department to other county services, according to a survey.

More than 6,500 people responded to the online survey last month about the county police department and its services.

The survey, which closed Nov. 14, asked residents dozens of open-ended and multiple choice questions — including how much of a role police should have in responding to various types of crimes and situations and whether police funding should be reallocated to other departments and services.

The preliminary results were released Thursday during a forum hosted by the county's Reimagining Public Safety Task Force.

"Forty-one percent of respondents felt that MCPD should have a lead role in child abuse, while another 46 percent noted" a partnership with other groups, Caroline Sturgis, assistant chief administrative officer for the task force, said. "In looking at domestic violence, 48 percent said MCPD should have a lead role and 40 percent felt that MCPD should partner with other service providers."

As it pertains to homelessness, she continued:

• 9 percent of respondents said the department should have a lead role
• 28 percent of respondents thought the department should partner with other service providers
• 32 percent of respondents noted that police should have a backup role
• 31 percent of respondents felt that MCPD should have no role

As it pertains to mental health services:

• 15 percent of respondents felt that MCPD should have a lead role
• 39 percent of respondents said the department should partner with other service providers
• 24 of respondents noted that police should have a backup role
• 21 percent of respondents said that MCPD should have no role

When asked if money should be shifted from the police department to other county services, 28 percent of respondents said no. In the survey, participants could also choose where they'd want to see the money go. Here are the results:

• 17 percent - Health and Human Services/Social Services
• 13 percent - Education
• 11 percent - Fire and Rescue Services
• 11 percent - Housing
• 10 percent - Corrections and Rehabilitation/Court
• 10 percent - Transportation

The county's task force, comprised of community members and county representatives, is scheduled to release its recommendations by Jan. 18, 2021.