By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
kmcneir@afro.com
In a world where slogans like “Stop Racist Police Brutality,” “Defund the Police,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Hands up, don’t shoot,” often dominate the headlines, there remain law enforcement officials who care about the people they serve and collaborate with local leaders on behalf of their collective community.
And, based on the word on the street, Sheriff John D.B. Carr, of Prince George’s County, Md., counts as a member of and leader within the law enforcement community who’s on the right track.
At least that’s the sentiment of two highly respected local activists: Dr. Lamont Bunyon, president of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County Chapter; and Franklyn Malone, CEO and founder, 100 Fathers. Both men joined Carr on a recent segment of his new podcast, “Behind the Badge with Sheriff Carr,” which provides insights into the Sheriffs Office’s initiatives, statistical reports and community efforts.
The trio of men were joined by Taylor Thomas, who served as host and has been a noteworthy fixture within the Washington Metropolitan Area’s media circle (radio and television) for the past two decades.
Carr, who began his career in 2002 and was elected sheriff in 2022, has served in every rank and currently leads a managerial team responsible for nearly 400 sworn and civilian support employees, serving over 900,000 residents of Prince George’s County.
He said the idea for the podcast came because of his two decades of commitment to principles which remain the foundation of his role as sheriff: transparency, honesty, service and community.
“I believe it’s important that we ensure that the community we serve is both protected and informed and, whenever possible, I seek ways to foster buy-in from local businesses and nonprofit organizations in efforts to provide additional services and activities that benefit youth, seniors and families,” Carr said. “Inviting men like Dr. Bunyon and Dr. Malone on the show was an easy decision because of the outstanding work that they’ve been doing in Prince George’s County and Washington, D.C., for so many years.”
Carr lists the task of making broken families whole again as one of his top priorities along with other goals such as tackling and eradicating domestic violence, increasing mental health services, and increasing investments for youth development on a variety of fronts.
“We know the statistics related to youth-involved carjackings, violent outbreaks and fights at the National Harbor and other negative and often illegal actions. And while it’s the job of the sheriff’s department to protect and serve, we are equally focused on offering services and programs that represent a more preventive and proactive mindset,” Carr said.
“What’s going to happen when Six Flags closes in Maryland at the end of the year? What do we offer that youth can do that’s both fun and safe? And how do we approach not only those who are the victims of domestic violence but those who have perpetrated such crimes?” Carr continued. “These are the questions and challenges that weigh heavily on my mind and to which I am fully committed to finding, or at least working toward securing solutions.”
Bunyon said Carr has been a great partner with the 100 Black Men of America because of the organization’s mission since its founding in 1963: mentoring youth.
“It’s easy to be critical of our youth, but if we want to see things change for the better, we have to show them pathways that lead to successful outcomes and help them achieve their dreams,” Bunyon said. “Like Sheriff Carr, our members know that you must listen to youth first. Then, if you’re serious about reaching them, you must show them that they can be more than they think they can be.”
Bunyon said one of the things he admires most about Carr is his ability to connect with the community, regardless of age or ethnicity.
“Carr is doing a stand-up job and he’s innovative,” he said. “Our youth are beginning to understand and believe that the law is meant to work for them, too. Rather than looking for what’s wrong, the sheriff is working to promote what’s right.”
Malone said he’s a big supporter of Carr because he’s a man with big and laudable ideas.
“Sheriff Carr is more focused on identifying resources for our youth instead of locking them up when they make poor decisions – that’s the sign of a man with great leadership skills and vision.” Malone said. “He’s the kind of person I prefer to work with because he’s all about prevention, intervention and innovation. My organization stands firmly behind him in bringing his goals, his vision of a better Prince George’s County, into reality.”
On any given evening, one might find Carr and his staff working in collaboration with local organizations to keep youth engaged in educational and fun-filled activities – from STEM-related classes to outdoor sports like flag football or soccer.
“Allowing youth to let off steam through sports is certainly important, but if our children are going to be ready to take our place in the future, they’re going to need 21st century skills,” Carr said. “We must prepare and train them now, so they’ll be ready tomorrow.
“When we were young, there was no such thing as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity or computer technology experts. That’s why we have to listen to our youth and find out what moves and motivates them, what excites them. Then, we look for ways to help them make their dreams come true.”
Sheriff Carr’s podcast airs monthly on Prince George’s Community Television (CTV) on Verizon FIOS Channel 42 and Comcast Channel 76. Check local listings for days and times.
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