PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A who's who of Prince George's County officials spoke at Bowie State University Tuesday night to try to figure out a solution to juvenile crime in the county.
Councilwoman Ingrid Watson led the charge, but some of those who attended felt like their voices weren't being heard.
Prince George's County Native Antonio Mingo is a gunshot survivor and the father of a 13-year-old girl.
"[Am I] scared and fear for her life? Yes," said Mingo about his daughter.
The father attended Tuesday's community forum because he thinks everyone, including parents, teachers, staff and students, need to start working together, especially when it comes to parents holding their kids accountable.
"They know that if a teacher tries to correct them, they could just run to mommy and daddy and they know mommy and daddy will defend them and try to get into beef with the teacher, nothing’s getting done," he said.
Councilwoman Watson hosted the forum and told WUSA9 afterward that she felt it was a good start.
"We’re moving forward towards accomplishing a few of our goals, but we really want to put together an action plan based on our findings tonight," Watson said.
Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz spoke at the meeting about the bigger picture and holding repeat offenders accountable, something Watson agreed with.
"It’s very scary but we want to find out the why, why are our kids doing this and we want to help them any way we can," she said.
While this is just a start, Watchson and dads like Mingo both agree on one point.
"I hear what they saying about wanting to do new laws, getting new laws, new bills done, that’s fine. But I’m not once hearing about what about holding parents accountable. It starts with us as a community."
Watson reiterated that she does want to hear from parents, students and those in the community. She says the best way to reach her is through her website.