The Baltimore City delegation in Annapolis is putting together a comprehensive crime-fighting package that members said turns into law what Gov. Larry Hogan has declined to do.
Delegation leaders said they are disappointed that they need to introduce a crime-fighting package. They said the governor could act on their agenda items with an executive order, which he has declined to do.
The Hogan administration disputes that claim, saying as of February 2019, the governor has done everything in his power to satisfy nearly all of the city delegation's crime-fighting suggestions.
The delegation will pursue alternatives to a "lock 'em up for a long time" crime-fighting approach.
"Those things haven't worked in 30 years," said state Sen. Antonio Hayes, chairman of the Baltimore City delegation.
Hogan and the House GOP caucus have embraced the incarceration strategy.
"Citizens are demanding more accountability for the violent criminals who are shooting and killing people in the city of Baltimore," Hogan said Jan. 14.
"We must make sure violent criminals who commit these monstrous acts are not allowed to walk free in our communities," House Minority Leader Nic Kipke said Jan. 16.
Hayes is taking the lead on what he calls a new direction.
"We are looking at making sure that all the public resources the state provides are adding to, or supplement the crime fight that we have in Baltimore City," Hayes said.
For example, the city delegation is considering putting parole and probation officers back in each police district and increasing home visits; staffing the juvenile booking facility with state officials, freeing up 50 officers for patrol; allowing Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority police to patrol Interstate 83, Maryland Route 295, Bel Air Road, Greenmount Avenue, York Road, Reisterstown Road, Frederick Avenue, U.S. Route 40 and Monroe Street; and expand the Safe Streets program.
"Getting state agencies off the dime and working to help supplement the efforts in Baltimore City is the way to go," Hayes said.
Hayes said he gave the governor these ideas in 2017. He had hoped the governor would act on them through an executive order.
"I feel like they don't feel that some of the things that state agencies can do to help supplement Baltimore is sexy enough. They don't necessarily poll very well, but if we are really truly in the business of addressing crime, we need out state partners to step up to the plate and be a true partner," Hayes said.
According to the governor's press office, Hogan has implemented nearly everything the city delegation is seeking. Details are outlined in a letter to Hayes dated Feb. 4, 2019. The administration also met with the senator to further discuss the issues.
Hayes said the city delegation's crime-fighting agenda will be introduced soon.
The governor's office said it reached out Tuesday to Hayes to offer to brief the city delegation on ongoing operational efforts.