COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES NEW PRIVATE SECURITY CAMERA INCENTIVE PROGRAM LEGISLATION IN RESPONSE TO FATAL SHOOTING OF 13-YEAR-OLD JAYZ AGNEW
“Jayz Agnew Law” Receives Unanimous Council Support
The Prince George’s County Council unanimously passed Council Bill CB-008-2023, also known as the “Jayz Agnew Law,” during session on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The People’s Council championed this new law in honor of 13-year-old Jayz Agnew, who was fatally shot in front of his home while raking leaves. To date, no arrests have been made in the case.
Jayz Law, which establishes a Private Security Camera Incentive Program in the County, encourages businesses and homeowners to increase security surveillance in the surrounding community with the installation of cameras. District 7 Council Member Krystal Oriadha, proposer of the legislation, says the Jayz Agnew Law is yet another tool to keep communities and families safe.
“It has been four months since Jayz Agnew was fatally shot in his front yard while raking leaves and to date, there has been no arrest in the crime. Security cameras could have led police to finding those responsible for this tragic loss. Juanita Agnew, Jayz mother, has been working with my office to find a solution so this doesn’t happen to another family, which is what we hope to accomplish with this bill. I want to thank Ms. Agnew and her family for their perseverance and advocacy around this bill.”
Juanita Agnew testified in support of the measure, urging Council passage.
“I stand in support of this piece of legislation. Jayz Agnew was my 13-year-old son that was shot in his front yard while raking leaves. Jayz was shot on November 8 - Election Day. On the day of the shooting myself nor my immediate neighbors had surveillance cameras. I do believe that if we cameras, we would have been able to, by now, have some leads. At this time, four months later, there are no arrests or leads in the case. I appreciate Council Member Oriadha - when I reached out to her to talk about my concerns, she listened. There is definitely a need, and I would really appreciate it, as a resident, if you could consider it. Think about the impact.”
CB-008-2023 requires the County to establish the new Private Security Camera Program under a partnership between the Office of Community Relations and the Prince George’s County Police Department. Eligible residents and businesses will receive a camera, rebate or voucher to have cameras properly installed and operating at their properties. The maximum amount of a rebate or voucher under the program is $200 for cameras purchased and $100 for subscription costs.
The measure will take effect 45 calendar days after it is signed into law.
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