Lieutenant Robert "Bob" Wilson
A Pioneer in Community-Based Crime Prevention

Early Career and Rise Through the Ranks

Lieutenant Robert "Bob" Wilson joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1968, during one of the most challenging periods in the city's history. Baltimore was still recovering from the riots and major civil unrest that had shaken the community. Wilson began his career on the streets of the Northern Police District, where he served as a patrol officer until 1972.

His dedication and effectiveness earned him a promotion to sergeant in 1972, leading to his transfer to the Chief of Patrols Office. He later returned to the Northern District as a Community Relations Sergeant, demonstrating early on his commitment to building bridges between law enforcement and the community. His continued excellence led to his promotion to lieutenant.

Commander of the Crime Resistance Unit

As a lieutenant, Wilson served as shift commander in the Northern District before taking on his most impactful role: Commander of the Crime Resistance Unit (CRU). Under his leadership, the CRU became a model for innovative, community-based crime prevention programs that would influence policing strategies nationwide.

Innovative Programs and National Impact

Lieutenant Wilson's Crime Resistance Unit developed and implemented several groundbreaking programs:

Taxi On Patrol (T.O.P.) Program (1982)

• Launched on January 20, 1982, in partnership with Checker Cab Company and Yellow Cab Company
• Trained taxi drivers to observe and report crimes while on their regular routes
• Placed identifying decals on all participating cabs
• What began as a Baltimore initiative became a national program adopted by cities across the country
• Worked closely with Deputy Mullen and Mark Joseph of Yellow Cab Company to ensure citywide participation

McGruff the Crime Dog Program

• The CRU assisted in developing this national crime prevention program
• Agent Marty Seltzer was instrumental in bringing McGruff to Baltimore communities

Metro Crime Stoppers

• Developed and coordinated by the CRU
• Key personnel included Officer Charles Feaster, Sergeant Hezzie Sessomes, and Officer Mike Byrd

Vehicle Security Initiatives

• Distributed thousands of decals (designed by Officer Pete Katich) on parking meters
• Placed thousands of summonses on vehicles reminding citizens to lock their cars and remove valuables from sight
• Focused on proactive prevention rather than reactive enforcement

Professional Achievements and Recognition

Lieutenant Wilson's expertise extended far beyond traditional policing:

Professional Certifications:

• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
• One of very few police officers to achieve this prestigious status
• Demonstrated mastery of security knowledge through extensive job experience and academic prerequisites

Professional Memberships:

• International Society of Crime Prevention Practitioners
• Maryland Crime Prevention Association
• Maryland Crime Watch Steering Committee

Awards and Honors:

• Jimmie Swartz Foundation Medallion Award—recognized for "humanitarian qualities and unselfish deeds"
• Four official commendations during his tenure, including the Unit Citation

Legacy and Impact

Lieutenant Robert Wilson's approach to crime prevention was revolutionary for its time. Rather than focusing solely on enforcement and arrests, he understood that preventing crime required community engagement, public education, and innovative partnerships with private sector entities like taxi companies.

His work with the Crime Resistance Unit demonstrated that effective policing required thinking beyond traditional methods. By enlisting taxi drivers as additional eyes and ears, educating the public about simple security measures, and creating programs that engaged citizens in their own safety, Wilson helped transform how Baltimore—and eventually cities nationwide—approached crime prevention.

The programs he developed in the 1980s laid the groundwork for modern community policing strategies that emphasize partnership, prevention, and public engagement over purely reactive law enforcement.

The Crime Resistance Unit Team

Wilson worked alongside a dedicated team of officers and agents who helped bring these innovative programs to life, including:

• Sergeant Bob Lassahn
• Sergeant Marty Seltzer
• Sergeant Lewis
• Sergeant Kincaid
• Agent Rodriguez
• Agent Douglas
• Officer Mike Byrd
• Officer Charles Feaster
• Sergeant Hezzie Sessomes

Sources:

• Baltimore Police Museum - Lt. Robert Wilson profile
• Baltimore Police Museum - Crime Resistance Unit history
• Baltimore Police Department historical newsletters (1985)