Prince George’s County’s interim police chief focusing on addressing staffing issues

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – The interim police chief is looking to reenergize the force as he addresses staffing issues in the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy appointed George Nader to the position last month.

“I’m so happy to work with the men and women on this organization who I think are just top-notch,” Nader said.

Nader is no stranger to PGPD. In his 32-year law enforcement career, he spent 20 years with the department before leaving in 2016 to serve as assistant chief for the Metro Transit Police Department.

“The relationships that we have in the community are phenomenal,” Nader said. “It’s nice to see that they have continued on over the years.”

Nader said one of his main goals is to address staffing.

“We need to hire about 330 police officers,” he said. “That’s what we’re down, so that’s not even accounting for officers that are going to leave or retire within the next year.”

He said recruitment continues to be a challenge and, in the months ahead, they will work to implement strategies to complement incentives already in place.

“We should be hiring about 100 a year or more,” Nader said. “Right now, we’re hiring about 60, and then you always have to account for if you hire 60, that doesn’t mean you’re going to graduate 60.”

Nader said what he’s looking forward to most is strengthening relationships with members of the community.

“We are your police department and we want you to be as much a part of our police department as you want to be. We’re here for you. We’re your agency in good times and bad times,” he said.

George Nichols has been named interim assistant chief of police for PGPD. He has decades of experience within the department.