Downtown Towson Growth Spurs Enhanced Police Presence

Baltimore County police are beefing up their presence in downtown Towson as the area sees new major development initiatives.

"We're very excited about the investment taking place in downtown Towson," said County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, referring to recent projects such as Towson Square entertainment center and the construction of more than 1,500 luxury apartments, at a Wednesday afternoon news conference. "As part of our commitment to keep the downtown Towson entertainment district attractive and family-friendly, I'm pleased to announce an increased police presence for this area."

Effective next month, Kamenetz said funds reserved from the county budget will go toward the addition of three new police officer positions at the Towson precinct. Additionally, a $39,000 donation from the Baltimore County Police Foundation will provide three electric stand-up vehicles, similar to Segways, pending County Council approval.

"It's important that law enforcement in Towson maintain an omnipresence," said Police Chief Jim Johnson, who also attended the conference.

The officers and electric stand-up vehicles will primarily be used in the entertainment district.

The officers will be assigned to work late evenings, five days a week, and at other times the district is busy. The electric stand-up vehicles will also be used at parades and other events throughout the county.

Following high-profile incidents such as a violent melee at Recher Theatre and a shooting at Charles Village Pub late last year, county and police officials are also working with local businesses.

"We're also in communications with larger venues to secure a private security presence," Kamenetz said.

Councilman David Marks, who represents Towson and has been calling for a stronger police presence in the area, applauded the efforts.

"I'm happy to get whatever police presence we can," Marks said. "As downtown Towson grows, we're going to need an increase in our Towson resources."