A Call For Calm

County Faith And Business Leaders Look To Patience And Transparency Amid Controversy

By Raoul Dennis

PHOTOS APPEAR COURTESY THE OFFICE OF COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER CALVIN HAWKINS // ASHLEY SHARP

Prince George’s County faith and business leaders were joined by residents at a rally and prayer vigil at Prince George’s County Police Headquarters in Landover, October 30.

They gathered in a call for unity, transparency, patience and support for local law enforcement as Police Chief Hank Stawinski and the department have come under controversial community pressure as a result of a police traffic stop Oct. 17 wherein the motorist detained was partially paralyzed.

Although the case, initially considered an accident, is being investigated; the matter began to escalate in the court of public opinion when activist groups began circulating an online petition of no confidence in Chief Stawinski. Further, the family has retained the services of the Murphy Falcon Murphy law firm. Murphy Falcon Murphy is the firm that pursued the high profile Freddie Gray case in Baltimore in 2015.

Stawinski, a lifelong resident of the county, has been recognized for his leadership in reducing violent crime in Prince George’s. Although he is a data-oriented crime fighter, he has been known for his hands-on relationship and transparency with county residents.

Bishop-elect Anthony Maclin of The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square was among the many faith leaders who led the assembled group in prayer and in support for the process.

Greater Prince George’s County Business Roundtable President and CEO M.H. Jim Estepp, Sr., a former county council member and chief of the Prince George’s Fire Department was a part of the rally.

“I was reminded today of why I love this county and its people,” Estepp says.  “We came together as one community in support of our police chief and the men and women who protect and serve us.  We prayed that the system will remain transparent and that all community concerns will continue to be addressed as they have been, with candid dialogue.”

County councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D-At Large) says this may be a time of challenge for the county but that Stawinski’s record with the community indicate that he deserves community support.

"We've seen through the facts what he's done and I'm a servant leader who believes a leader needs to lead in times of convenience and times of challenge. We are in a challenging moment by saying we need to get rid of Chief Stawinski but I disagree."

Watch this space for updates to this story.