By Karen MacPherson

Reading with your ears – otherwise known as listening to an audiobook – is a fun and different way to tackle a book. It’s also a popular way to read. A recent survey done for the Audio Publishers Association by Edison Research shows that 55 million Americans listened to an audiobook last year.

The most popular genre of audiobooks is a catch-all category called “mysteries/ thrillers/suspense,” followed closely by history, biography and memoir, and popular fiction, the survey showed.

We’ve got a number of great new audiobooks in these categories for both adults and kids – what follows is just a selection. Come into the library and check out these new audiobook offerings; they’re perfect for adding extra fun to any upcoming travel, but you can enjoy a good audiobook at home while doing chores, doodling or just sitting and relaxing.

ADULT:

FICTION:

“The Escape” by David Baldacci: “Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy are a triedand-true team, having already narrated a number of Baldacci’s books together. With Cassidy delivering all the female dialogue and McLarty reading everything else, their voices dovetail seamlessly in this story of a man on the run from the law and others who want him dead.” (Audiofile)

“The Silkworm” by Robert Galbraith (alias of J.K. Rowling): “The wizardry here is in Rowling’s vividly drawn cast— their nuanced personalities and fabulous range of accents perfectly re 0alized by reader Robert Glenister—and in its intricately structured plot, replete with a long list of possible suspects and deftly hidden clues…” (Bookpage)

“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins: “Three talented narrators handle Hawkins’s debut psychological thriller, giving identifiable voices and personalities to the characters….Top-notch narration makes this perfect for audio.” (Audiofile).

“Revival” by Stephen King: “A chilling conclusion finishes off another fine tale, narrated in an effective performance by David Morse…. King fans will be delighted, and, despite supernatural elements, those who think of King as just a horror writer will be pleasantly surprised.” (Library Journal)

“The Long Way Home” by Louise Penny: “Narrator Ralph Cosham is back for the tenth installment in Penny’s beloved Three Pines mystery series, featuring Armand Gamache, chief inspector of homicide of the Süreté du Québec…. With pitch-perfect rhythm, Cosham pulls listeners irresistibly into the chief inspector’s world of art, jealousy, and murder.” (Audiofile)

“The Complete Lord of the Rings Trilogy,” by J.R. R. Tolkien: This unabridged recording features a full cast who bring author J.R. R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy to life.

“A Spool of Thread” by Anne Tyler: “Narrator Kimberly Farr’s experience with character-driven novels is evident from her nuanced performance of this compelling story about four generations of Whitshanks and the Baltimore, Maryland, home that bore witness to their public and private histories.” (Audiofile)

NON-FICTION:

“As You Wish” by Cary Elwes: “For anyone who’s ever loved the movie ‘The Princess Bride,’ Cary Elwes’s memoir of filming it is a must-listen….recollections by director Rob Reiner and cast members Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, and others are interspersed, some read by the actors and the rest performed by Danny Burstein. But it’s Elwes’s reminiscences and behind-the-scenes stories- -and his impressions of the other actors- -that are the stars here.” (Audiofile)

“Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand: “Narrator Edward Herrmann never gets in the way of this story of WWII heroism, survival, and redemption. His voice is so compelling that the narrative flows smoothly and engagingly.” (Audiofile)

“This Changes Everything” by Naomi Klein: “Narrator Ellen Archer maintains excellent clarity as she delivers Klein›s comprehensive analysis linking climate change to a broader progressive agenda. Klein explains why everyone who cares about social justice should care about climate change and why our political leaders do so little to address such an important and well-documented crisis.(Audiofile)

“Dead Wake” by Erik Larson: “As events escalate toward the momentous sinking of the British passenger liner LUSITANIA by a German U-boat during WWI, this comprehensive history reads almost like a novel, and that’s exactly how Scott Brick narrates it.” (Audiofile)

“Yes Please” by Amy Poehler: “There are no doubt people in the world who do not wish to hang out with Poehler, including the crabby businessman who complained about the author and her “comedy wife,” Tina Fey, talking nonstop on a flight. For the rest of us, there’s Yes Please on audio… read by Poehler,” (Audiofile)

“Wild,” by Cheryl Strayed: “Bernadette Dunne’s narration reflects the emotional upheaval that Cheryl Strayed experienced as she plunged into a downward spiral following the death of her mother, the dissolution of her marriage, and a foray into heroin usage and sexual promiscuity….Dunne’s narration captures the author’s grit and heart in this absorbing memoir.“ (Audiofile)

KIDS:

“The Spycatchers of Maple Hill” by Megan Frazer Blakemore (Ages 8-12): “The year is 1953, and fifth grader Hazel Kaplansky is a girl in search of a mystery…. Narrator Meredith Orlow perfectly captures the spirit of this Cold War–era story, portraying neighbors turning against neighbors and whispers becoming rumors and lies.” (School Library Journal)

“The 14th Goldfish” by Jennifer Holm (Ages 8-12): “Georgette Perna’s deft narration enhances Holm’s story of a generation gap gone haywire. How do you cope when your grandfather turns up as a teenager who becomes your babysitter and draws you into a daring B and E of his former science lab? Perna voices 12-yearold Ellie’s wacky adventures with glee.” (Audiofile)

“Clementine and the Spring Trip” by Sara Pennypacker (Ages 7-10): “Jessica Almasy completely inhabits Clementine, a precocious third grader and budding artist. In addition to expressing Clementine’s generally upbeat nature, Almasy’s high tones and bouncy inflections capture the enthusiasm of the dynamic young protagonist as she flutters from one principle-inspired undertaking to the next.” (Audiofile)

“P.S. Be Eleven” by Rita WilliamsGarcia (Ages 8-12): “In this sequel to the Newbery Honor book ‘One Crazy Summer,’ Delphine and her younger sisters are caught between the middle-class mores of their Brooklyn grandmother and the radical views of their mother, a poet in California who sends them missives on the struggle for black power. Narrator Sisi Johnson conveys Delphine’s continual dilemmas as the eldest sister who is old beyond her years—hence her mother’s constant admonition—”PS Be Eleven.”

YOUNG ADULT (Ages 12 up):

“The Family Romanov” by Candace Fleming: “—Listeners need not have a background in Russian history to enjoy Fleming’s account of the dramatic rise and fall of the last Russian royal family. Kimberley Farr, along with a cast of voice actors, reads stories of the opulence in the palace and the destitution—ultimately leading to revolution—in the streets…. Farr’s narration combined with Fleming’s brilliantly researched writing will surely provide sustenance for those seeking meaty, narrative nonfiction.”

“Chomp” by Carl Hiaasen: “’Chomp’ is what happens when an animal takes a hunk out of its “owner.” Wahoo and his dad, Mickey, have had many such chomps because they’re animal wranglers–guys who loan their menagerie to TV and movie producers. Narrator James Van Der Beek delightfully captures the unique Cray family; Derek Badger, star of “Expedition Survivor”; and the people involved in so-called reality television. (Audiofile)

“Egg & Spoon” by Gregory Maguire: “Set in tsarist Russia, this story combines historical fiction and folklore and is told by a self-proclaimed ‘unreliable scribe’ who writes from within a tower prison…. Micharl Page especially shines as the story’s narrator. The character may be unreliable, but we believe his aged and patrician voice and hang on to his every measured word as he challenges us to ponder the nature of fate.” (Audiofile)

“Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space” by Lynn Sherr: “Narrator Pam Ward perfectly reflects the literary voice of author Lynn Sherr in this in-depth examination of the life of Sally Ride, America’s first female astronaut. Ward’s animated voice and varied pace suit the narrative, particularly the passages about Ride’s personal life. Because Sherr and Ride were longtime friends, the text comes off like an extended conversation, and Ward picks up that tone nicely.”

“Winger” by Andrew Smith: “Mark Boyett does a wonderful job narrating, especially Ryan Dean’s voice, which reveals his wild imagination, full-blown adolescent hormones, and self-deprecating humor. Other characters’ voices are equally believable.” (School Library Journal)

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

The Takoma-Langley Crossroads Transit Center stands on its own merit, but its value would be greatly enhanced if the Purple Line light rail is built.

As the literal midpoint of the proposed 21-station, 16-mile Purple Line, the Transit Center would be a hive of activity. Some people have suggested that a Silver Springlike redevelopment to emphasize density and walkability could occur.

But will we ever see a Purple Line? The answer is: probably. On June 25, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced that he supports the Purple Line, if it costs the State of Maryland less than current projections. This would require both cost savings and for Montgomery County and Prince George’s County to pay larger shares.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah “Ike” Leggett (D) responded that the county could contribute $50 million more, if some conditions are met.

A great deal of negotiating is left to be done, not to mention property purchases, design, engineering, construction, and the prevailing over the inevitable lawsuits. Nothing is happening quickly, but it appears that, after months of uncertainty, the Purple Line is back on track.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Extensive details about the Takoma-Langley Crossroads Transit Center will be shared on July 14, when the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) hosts an open house at 6 p.m. and a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. The event will be at the Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Drive in Hyattsville, less than a 10-minute walk from the Transit Center site.

The Maryland Transit Authority (MTA) will bring a model of the Transit Center and MTA and WMATA staff will explain the features of the facility.

“The open house will be a great opportunity for people to see how the Transit Center will look and the technologies that will be installed, such as route schedule notices,” says Erkin Ozberk, planner for the City of Takoma Park.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Drop-in basketball, drop-in futsal, and a fun place to hang out with friends – that’s the flavor of the Recreation Department’s new late night summertime teen program, called After Hours. The program, designed for young people ages 16 to 24, begins July 7 and runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 11 p.m. through Aug. 20. It will be held at the Takoma Park Recreation Center, at 7315 New Hampshire Ave.

Recreation Department staff are confident that young people will flock to this new opportunity: Local passion for basketball is already well established through the Y.E.S. Basketball League, which has been popular among youth, teens and young adults for more than 20 years. Futsal is another winner – this indoor soccer game, offered as a drop-in activity for the last five years, has averaged 30 to 40 participants each session. After Hours will alternate the two games: Tuesdays will feature basketball, and Thursdays will be futsal.

After Hours was created in partnership with the Takoma Park Police Department, and will not only offer safe, fun activity but will also provide teens and young adults strong, positive relationships with adults other than their parents. “There is a major need for an outlet amongst the youth in the community,” says Coach Adrienne Allen, who has been leading the Futsal drop-in program at the Recreation Center.

“This is exactly what every town needs, and I’m so happy Takoma Park is making it happen,” says Howard Kohn, an active city resident and member of the Recreation Committee. “The police should play a positive role in the lives of kids, same as other adults. As we know, it takes a village.”

After Hours is open to Takoma Park and Montgomery County residents and is free of charge, although registration is required. The Takoma Park Recreation Department is currently looking for people to staff the program. Applicants may apply at www.takomaparkmd.gov/hr. For more information about the program or job opportunity please contact Jurrel Cottman at 301-891-7296.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Residents and artists will mix on “stage” as the performance project, “New Hampshire Ave: This Is a Place To…,” is presented at the Takoma Park Recreation Center on Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. (July 19 in case of rain). Sponsored by Dance Exchange and the City of Takoma Park the free performance and community celebration will involve dance, music, art and storytelling inspired by what New Hampshire Ave is, was, and could be.

The evening will host the premiere of a new site-specific work along New Hampshire Ave, shaped largely by the contributions of local community members and partners and including reimagined sections of Liz Lerman’s landmark work, Still Crossing. The work will be performed by an intergenerational cast of Dance Exchange artists, New Hampshire Ave community members, and City of Takoma Park employees and officials. Dance Exchange enthusiastically invites interested New Hampshire Ave community members of all ages and backgrounds to join the performance by attending one of several dance and storytelling workshops on July 14 (4:30-6 p.m., Takoma Park Rec Center), July 15 (time and location TBD), OR July 16 (Dance Exchange Studios, 7-8:30 p.m.) as well as the dress rehearsal on July 17 (6-8:30 p.m., Takoma Park Recreation Center) and the performance on July 18 (5:30-8:30 p.m., Takoma Park Recreation Center). Performers and audience members of all ages and backgrounds will have the opportunity to explore and celebrate their own journeys to New Hampshire Ave by exploring the central questions of the piece: Where do you come from? What did you leave behind? What do you carry with you to this place?

The event on July 18 also brings Dance Exchange into continued collaboration with local installation artist Nicole Salimbene, painter Fetunwork Amedie, photographer Ben Carver, and multi-disciplinary artist Nguyen K. Nguyen. Together, these visual artists have been working to capture some of the unique faces, places and stories of the Avenue in a series of photo portraits, paintings and illustrations printed on banners and installed on the evening of the event to create a dynamic performance space. These banners, commissioned by Dance Exchange and sponsored by the City of Takoma Park, will appear after the event in public spaces along New Hampshire Ave.

Local musician and long-time Dance Exchange collaborator David Schulman will join the performance and engagement as well, in collaboration with local musicians Don Tillery and Mark H. Rooney. Inspired by the past, present and future of New Hampshire Avenue, the trio will weave together new compositions, recorded stories from New Hampshire Ave, and original music from Still Crossing.

Highlighting and honoring the people who contribute to the history, diversity, and vibrancy of the Avenue is at the heart of “New Hampshire Avenue: This Is a Place To… .” In September 2014, Dance Exchange hosted a one-day festival which served as the public premiere of the project and its signature “flock” of colorful wooden chairs, inspired by one of the City’s preexisting design initiatives. Throughout the project, people from all walks of life along the Avenue have gathered around these chairs for a series of artmaking workshops, community gatherings, and interviews which stretched from fall 2014 to spring 2015.

More than a central image for the project, these chairs have become a shared platform for community members and city leaders alike to express their celebrations, challenges, needs and goals for New Hampshire Avenue. And the “impact of working deeply with both those who live and work along New Hampshire Ave and those planners and officials from the City is already apparent,” notes Dance Exchange Artistic Director Cassie Meador, lead curator for “New Hampshire Ave: This Is a Place To… .” “By bringing a range of people into conversation about their contributions and hopes for the Avenue,” Meador explains, “we’re hoping this project creates connections that will live on after the project ends.”

“New Hampshire Ave: This Is a Place To…” is part of a competitive group of creative projects funded by the Our Town grant program of the National Endowment for the Arts and ArtPlace America, which are, according to Jamie L. Bennett, Executive Director of ArtPlace, having “a profound impact on the social, physical and economic futures of communities.” Acknowledging Dance Exchange’s groundbreaking legacy in creative placemaking, artists and community leaders from around the country and beyond will gather at Dance Exchange in the week leading up to the July 18 performance to learn more about Dance Exchange tools and practices and to join in creating the final performance as they consider implementing similar initiatives in their own communities.

The event is the public culmination of a community-building artistic effort presented by Dance Exchange in partnership with The New Ave, an initiative driven by the City of Takoma Park’s Office of Housing and Community Development.

For more information or to participate see www.danceexchange.org or contact Amanda, 301-270-6700.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

For a project that combines beauty and functionality, “seats” were once again the theme for this year’s “reCYCLE” public art sculpture project sponsored by the Old Takoma Business Association.

Artists created innovative seats – from diving board benches to race car seats – that invite passersby to sit and soak up their community in 15 locations across Takoma Park, Md. and the Takoma neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Since 2011, the Old Takoma Business Association has commissioned artists to create imaginative outdoor sculptures made from a portion of recycled materials. The sculptures then become landmarks in a self-guided walking tour of Takoma. Installation began on June 13, and the seats will be auctioned off in the fall

Local artist Blake Sloan has two benches in the Sit on the Art exhibit. They are made of reclaimed wood and feature boxes planted with herbs. “I hope it builds community and makes people think – hey I could grab a sprig of sage and rosemary and put it on my dinner tonight,” says Sloan.

Keep a look out for two stools with mosaic seats called “Eclectic Takoma Park” that were stolen less than a week after installation near the gazebo.

To see photos and a map of all the seats, go to the Main Street Takoma Facebook page.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

By Moses A. Wilds, Jr. Landlord-Tenant Mediator

The Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) is establishing a new Applicant Wait List Portal System to determine eligibility for participation in the HOC affordable housing programs. Applicants will complete one electronic application which will be used to determine their eligibility for all housing programs. Historically, HOC has had a separate wait list for each of its housing programs (i.e. Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher — formerly known as Section 8 — Project-based Voucher and Opportunity Housing). HOC will transition from its current lottery system to a new Applicant Wait List Portal System. The list opens for seniors and disabled people in late July and to the public in August. There will be kiosks at public libraries and HOC service centers to service those who need assistance.

Features of the new HOC Applicant Wait List Portal System:

• Applicants will complete one application, which can be used to determine their eligibility for all housing programs.
• Paper Applications will no longer be accepted. Applicants can only sign up via the agency website. The new wait list will be all electronic, allowing applicants to sign up and manage their applications online.
• The Wait List will be remain open indefinitely. Previously, HOC wait lists would close following a one- to two-week application period.
• Selection from the wait list will no longer be by lottery. Applicants will be matched with opportunities in the order they are received, based on household size, income and available openings across all HOC rental programs.
• Priority consideration will be given to applicants who are elderly and disabled. HOC has started to purge the old list of previous wait listed applicants. HOC has already attempted to contact all previous applicants on the wait list, but out of the many on the list, very few were reachable. If applicants have not yet received a phone call or information by mail they are encouraged to contact HOC right away to let them know that they are still interested in being waitlisted, and to update their contact information. Applicants who were on the wait list previously and who are current in communication with HOC will have priority over new applicants.

HOC will utilize an all-electronic application, with a new website dedicated solely for wait list applicants. Persons with internet access may apply from any connected device.

For persons who do not have access to the internet, kiosks will be available in Montgomery County Public Libraries and other selected sites. Application stations and trained personnel to assist applicants will be available inside all HOC offices. The office closest to Takoma Park is located at: 8421 Georgia Ave, 3rd Floor, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 (accessible via Metro Bus: S2, S4 and Ride-On Bus 28, 70, 71, 79).

Although applicants’ information will be archived in the electronic system for three years, failure to re-certify annually will result in an applicant’s name being removed from the waiting list.

There is no cost to apply for the HOC wait list. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and there are no income restrictions for applicants. Montgomery County residency is not an application requirement but those who live, work or have notice of work in the county will have preference.

Applicants will be matched to an appropriate housing program based on the information provided in the on-line application such as household size, income, preferences and program availability.

If an applicant meets any qualification for assistance he/she will be contacted by HOC when they are selected. It is very important that applicants maintain accurate on-line contact information on their applications. For further information contact HOC at hrs@hocmc.org or 240-627-9400 or visit the HOC office nearest you.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

By Bob Guldin

In recent years, city planners around the country have begun paying attention to the ways art and artists can revitalize a neighborhood. In Maryland for example, nearby Hyattsville has launched an “arts district” with studios, galleries and performance spaces.

But few Takoma neighbors are aware of our own hidden arts district — the DC Arts Studios — where close to 100 artists paint, sculpt, work with computer graphics, dance, teach and form a creative community that has been thriving for over 30 years.

In a way, it’s not surprising that the DC Arts Studios are not more famous. They are tucked away in a large, rambling, yellow brick building at 6925 Willow Street, N.W. – one of several solid edifices built on that block by the Seventh Day Adventist Church early in the last century. As the church gradually moved its business and printing operations out of the city, other organizations moved in.

Douglas Development, a real estate company that also owns much of the surrounding property, bought the building, and DC Arts Studios has been renting from them since 1983. You can see what they’re all about at dcartsstudios. org or www.facebook.com/DcArtsStudios.

Art for the canvas and the stage

The Willow Street building houses not only studios for individual artists; it also contains arts organizations of all sizes and descriptions. If you enter from the street, you’ll immediately encounter TheLab.DC, a breakdancing school and program for kids and adults. Headed by Antonio Castillo, the Lab offers breaking not only as a dance form but as a competitive sport. “I founded the league,” says Castillo. “I’m the guy. I’ve been doing it for 19 years.” Castillo is about to take his team on its first tour this summer.

Castillo is pleased that his classes attract all kinds of young people – girls, boys, black, white, Jewish, Hispanic. “We try to do competitions that are accepting and friendly,” he says. “A lot of kids have studied martial arts, but they don’t have free expression. That’s what they learn here.”

Also part of the DC Arts community: Knock on Wood, a tap dancing studio and school for kids and adults, and Art Options, a church-related group which offers art therapy to people with disabilities. Topping it off, though not part of DC Arts, is the thriving and prestigious Washington National Opera, which performs at the Kennedy Center and which has a full floor for its workshops, props and costumes at Willow Street.

Working together

The heart of the DC Arts Studios, however, is the working artists. At any given time, between 70 and 80 artists are renting studio space, which generally involves becoming part of the artists’ community as well. Currently, the studios are almost full to capacity … though the website shows two possible vacancies in case you’re interested.

The studios have a gallery on the first floor, which exhibits work of artist-members. It is open regularly to the public from noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays, which overlaps with the nearby Farmers Market.

We went on a tour of the studios, led by interim director Becky Borlan and Board Member and Treasurer Juliet Morey, and found lots of friendly artists at work and ready to chat about their unconventional workspace.

The range of artists is wide and broad. Some have shown their work nationally, and others are just getting started. They include painters, illustrators, costume designers, photographers, metalworkers, video and sound engineers, screen printers and muralists.

“We help artists get exposure. I’ve seen many artists move up.” —Kristina Bialock

People spoke about the friendships and sense of community the artists have forged, the reasonable rents, the 24- hour access, and the way colleagues are often available to lend a hand, a tool, or a critical eye.

George Koch, a painter who started DC Arts Studios in 1979, explains that unlike other Eastern cities, Washington never had a big industrial base that could be recycled into artists’ studios. So over the years, artists have had a real problem finding or creating studios, or finding landlords who would rent to them.

That’s why Koch organized a cooperative organization of artists. “I found if I had 40 artists together, it gave me some bargaining power with the landlords. Plus, it enabled the artists to manage the building themselves.” The organization – it started out as “a.salon.ltd” – had its first studio space in Georgetown. There it cooperated with the Corcoran School, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and other downtown arts programs.

But as rental space in central DC became more expensive and hard to find, the DC Arts Studios moved to Takoma, attracted by the Metro access and the funky neighborhood feel.

Koch says, “When we moved in, we had to do a major buildout, dealing with industrial equipment, building spaces for studios.” (The Willow Street building still has old conveyor belts tucked away in corners.)

Kristina Bialock, who was the director of the studios for the last three years, says that they add a lot to Takoma Park. “Remember, there are 80 artists who shop and dine in Takoma Park.”

“We also work closely with Laura Barclay (of Main Street Takoma) in December and May; we put on pre-holiday shows and participate in ArtHop, a city-sponsored invitation to the public to visit many artists.”

Bialock notes that Douglas Jamal, the senior head of Douglas Development, “gave us a great deal on the space for 35 years.” But, she says, “The rent is gradually escalating to more of a market rent. It will inevitably go up.” But the studios do have a five-year lease, which keeps things stable for the immediate future.

DC Arts Studios are a good value for the artists, Bialock says. “We try to offer below-market rates for commercial space. There’s a shortage of what we offer; there’s not much studio space in the city. For $200 to $1,000 a month, we offer a mailing address, a place to meet clients. And we help artists get exposure – we have open studio events. I’ve seen many artists move up.”

Bialock says the studios plan to increase their gallery space, and sponsor more wine and cheese receptions in the coming months.

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

By Virginia Myers

“A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth a thousand pictures.”

So says Takoma Park Police Chief Alan Goldberg, who told the Newsletter the department is purchasing 34 or 35 body-worn cameras for police officers, and expects to start using them this month. The cameras, bundled with 30 new replacement tasers, are a $50,000 item in the police department’s FY2016 budget.

Each camera is a one-piece device worn at sternum-height, and is activated when an officer taps it. Goldberg is convinced that they will make policing in Takoma Park safer for everyone. “[A camera] reduces the use of force because when people know they are being recorded they tend to not act so silly,” says Goldberg, referring to aggressive behavior from people encountering police officers. “It helps us.”

Officers, who tested them out in a pilot program last year, are in favor of the cameras, too, says Goldberg. “It reduces the complaints [against officers] for two reasons,” says Goldberg. “The officer knows he’s being recorded so he’s accountable, but so does the public. You can really see the change in demeanor when they know they’re being recorded.”

Montgomery County Police are also donning the cameras, in a 100-officer pilot program.

Interest in police-worn body cameras has risen since recent events involving unarmed black men dying in confrontations with police officers. The deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Eric Garner in Staten Island and, closer to home, Freddie Gray in Baltimore are still reverberating around the nation. Goldberg points out that while bystander cameras capture some of these events, the whole picture is still missing. Bodyworn cameras could help address that.

“If they’d worn body cameras in Ferguson, ‘Hands up don’t shoot’ wouldn’t have happened,” says Goldberg, referring to the investigation’s failure to prove that 18-year-old Michael Brown had his hands up in surrender before he was shot by a police officer, as was originally reported. The meme persists, however, as a protest against police brutality and racism in some law enforcement communities.

Sensitive details

While he is in favor of adopting the cameras, Goldberg also says they present some tricky challenges. Issues such as who can access the video, how long it is kept, and how it is redacted (altered to protect identities of bystanders and others) are sensitive. Archiving and indexing are labor-intensive — it takes a full minute to redact just one frame of video, says Goldberg.

A Montgomery County commission is working to establish a policy that municipalities could adopt. Meanwhile, Goldberg expects that the body cameras will be treated similarly to the way car-mounted cameras are treated now. That footage is loaded to a secure server, but it is available to the state’s attorney and defense attorneys. It is unavailable to anyone not a party to the case, he says. For traffic stops, footage is typically held for 30 days before it is destroyed. Civil case footage can be kept for three years, but felonies vary depending on documentation, and can be held as long as 75 years.

These details affect average citizens as well as accused criminals. Goldberg uses the example of a resident who holds a grudge against a neighbor, finds unflattering footage of the neighbor and posts it for the public to see. More seriously, many police calls involve mental illness – there are calls to suicidal behavior and overdoses, for example. “Sometimes we see people at their worst,” says Goldberg.

Still, he says, the cameras are expected to improve police work in the city. “There is a chilling effect as soon as you tell someone you’re being recorded, there’s a total change in attitude,” he says. “It’s a lot less confrontational.”

“It protects the officer, it protects the public and it keeps us from having to use force.”

This article appeared in the July 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.