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5 Critical Facts About The Capitol Heights MD Police Department You Need To Know In 2025

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The Capitol Heights MD Police Department (CHPD) stands as the primary municipal law enforcement agency for the Town of Capitol Heights, Maryland, a community nestled within Prince George's County. As of late December 2025, the department is navigating a period of heightened public interest, driven by both its ongoing commitment to community safety and the recent high-profile legal victory of its Police Chief.

Serving a vital role in local governance and public safety, the CHPD focuses on proactive community engagement, crime prevention, and maintaining order. The department's operations are a microcosm of the broader challenges and triumphs facing smaller municipal police forces in the greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accountability.

Leadership, Accountability, and the Chief's Landmark Case

The operational philosophy and public image of the Capitol Heights Police Department are significantly shaped by its leadership and commitment to external oversight. The current command structure and recent events highlight a focus on police accountability and community trust.

Biography: Chief of Police Mohamed Magassouba

  • Current Role: Police Chief, Capitol Heights MD Police Department.
  • Previous Experience: Served with the Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD).
  • Key Event: Successfully won a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Prince George's County Police Department.
  • Legal Victory Details: A jury sided with Chief Magassouba, who alleged discrimination stemming from his role in a 2019 arrest while employed by the PGPD.
  • Significance: The case was noted as a potential landmark civil case for police accountability in Maryland, focusing on internal department dynamics and officer rights.

Under Chief Magassouba’s leadership, the department maintains a direct line of communication with the public, with administrative offices operating during standard business hours. His personal legal journey, which saw him successfully challenge a larger county department, has brought a unique spotlight to the Capitol Heights force, underscoring themes of integrity and internal justice within law enforcement.

Oversight and Accountability Metrics

In Maryland, police departments are subject to rigorous oversight, particularly within Prince George's County. The Capitol Heights Police Department is included in reports by the Prince George's County Office of Integrity, Compliance, and the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC). The ACC is a key body established to review and investigate allegations of police misconduct. According to the 2024 Annual Report, the CHPD was associated with a minimal percentage of the total incidents reviewed by the committee, indicating a relatively low rate of formal complaints compared to larger county departments.

Current Crime Statistics and Public Safety Profile (2024 Data)

Understanding the public safety landscape is crucial for both residents and prospective visitors to the Town of Capitol Heights. Recent data provides a clear picture of the crime trends the CHPD is working to address, focusing on both violent and property crimes.

Based on a five-year analysis leading up to 2024, Capitol Heights has recorded a specific set of crime statistics that define its safety profile.

  • Violent Crimes (2019-2024): 109 total incidents recorded.
  • Property Crimes (2019-2024): 258 total incidents recorded.
  • Average Violent Crime Rate: Approximately 51.1 per 100,000 residents.

The overall chance of being a victim of any crime in Capitol Heights, MD, is approximately 1 in 67. These statistics underscore the ongoing need for vigilant and community-focused policing strategies, particularly in addressing property crimes like theft, vehicle theft, and burglary, which form a significant portion of the total incidents.

Community Engagement and Youth Development Initiatives

A core mission of the Capitol Heights Police Department is to build strong, positive relationships with the community, particularly its youth. This commitment is realized through targeted outreach and educational programs designed to foster trust and encourage future involvement in law enforcement careers.

The Police Explorer Program

The flagship youth initiative is the Capitol Heights Police Department Explorer Program. This program is a crucial component of the department’s community policing strategy, offering young adults a hands-on look at the realities of police work.

  • Target Audience: Young men and women aged 14 to 21.
  • Program Focus: Provides educational and physical training on the purposes, mission, and objectives of law enforcement.
  • Career Development: It serves as a vital pipeline for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a police officer or in other related fields within the criminal justice system.

The Community Policing Unit

The CHPD maintains a dedicated Community Policing Unit, which serves as the primary point of contact for non-emergency citizen concerns and collaborative problem-solving. This unit's mission is to promote mutual understanding and partnership between the police and the residents and business owners of Capitol Heights. This approach is essential for addressing neighborhood-specific issues and implementing preventative measures that go beyond simple reactive policing.

Departmental Operations and Recruitment

The Capitol Heights Police Department is a smaller, municipal force, which allows for a more localized and focused approach to law enforcement compared to the larger Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD). The department's operational structure is designed to be responsive to the immediate needs of the Town of Capitol Heights.

Key Operational Contacts

For residents, knowing the correct contact information is critical for both emergencies and non-emergency issues:

  • Emergency Response: Always dial 911 for immediate threats or crimes in progress.
  • Non-Emergency Police Response: Residents should call the Prince George's County Dispatch at 301-352-1200.
  • CHPD Administrative Office: For general inquiries, the department can be reached at 301-420-2444.

Recruitment and Career Opportunities

Like many law enforcement agencies across Maryland and the National Capital Region (NCR), the CHPD actively recruits new talent. The department seeks dedicated individuals to fill positions, including Police Officer roles, with primary responsibilities centered on force protection, security, and law enforcement for the town's people and infrastructure. Job postings and career opportunities, including information for Maryland Certified Police Officers, are regularly updated on the Town of Capitol Heights official municipal website.

The Future of Policing in Capitol Heights

The Capitol Heights MD Police Department is positioned to continue its dual focus on enforcement and community partnership. The recent high-profile case involving Chief Magassouba has inadvertently underscored the department's commitment to accountability and integrity, while the official 2024 crime data provides a clear mandate for targeted crime reduction efforts.

The ongoing success of the Police Explorer Program and the dedicated Community Policing Unit will be crucial in shaping the next generation of law enforcement and ensuring the department remains deeply connected to the residents it serves. As the town grows, the CHPD's ability to maintain low Administrative Charging Committee incidents and effectively manage property crime will define its long-term success and public trust.

5 Critical Facts About the Capitol Heights MD Police Department You Need to Know in 2025
capitol heights md police department
capitol heights md police department

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