New Public Safety Appointments

April 11, 2008

Many have inquired as to what our city is doing to further improve public safety while at the same time replacing retiring Police Chief Joseph Johnson. So, here's what's happening...

Today, Mayor Ellen Moyer announced a new leadership team for the Annapolis Police Department.

This new team of professionals will bring years of experience to the City of Annapolis Police Department. Joining the City are Michael Pristoop, a law enforcement expert with a 22 years experience; Beth Hart, a long-time criminal justice professional; and Howard Safir, Annapolis resident and international consultant on public safety.

Michael Pristoop will provide leadership and replace retiring Police Chief Joseph Johnson on an interim basis while the mayor and City Council continue a national search for a permanent replacement.

Pristoop is a law enforcement professional with more than 20 years experience in all facets of public safety work, including operational, administrative and managerial positions. Pristoop has experience in crime enforcement strategies, police and security operations, personnel administration, police training and the development and implementation of public safety policy. He is also an attorney, a member of the Maryland Bar and a graduate of the FBI Academy.

In accepting the job, Pristoop said today, "Chief Johnson has built an excellent force in Annapolis, and I look forward to working with the mayor, the City Council and police department staff in further improving public safety."

Beth Hart will coordinate the work of the Capital City Safe Streets Task Force. She holds a graduate degree in criminal justice and has 8 years experience developing collaborative "Hot Spots" programs in Baltimore. She was an intelligence analyst for the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Agency (HIDTA) where she did investigations requiring research, data retrieval and interpretation.

Howard Safir served as commissioner of the New York City Police Department under Mayor Giuliani. He is volunteering his services to the Annapolis Police Department team.

In his four years as Police Commissioner of New York City he achieved a 38% reduction in major crime. During his tenure, Safir established thirty-nine major anti-drug initiatives and created the "model blocks" concept to prevent drug dealing.

After returning to the private sector, Safir became CEO of SafirRosetti, a security and investigation company. He is a member of the executive committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and has served as a delegate to INTERPOL, the National Drug Policy Board and the El Paso Intelligence Center Advisory Board.

As a resident of Annapolis, Safir will be volunteering his time to help assure that Annapolis remains a safe and vibrant City to live in and visit.

The ICMA (International City/County Management Association) Public Safety Assessment Team will conclude the first phase of their work with the City of Annapolis by the end of April. The information that they have gathered will be shared with the Police Department leadership team and the City Council.

At that time, new budget demands and next steps will be considered.

Thank you for your expressions of concern for our city. Working together we can make a positive difference!