At the annual public District 1 Delegation meeting before the start of the general assembly session, Allegany County law enforcement officials praised the Safe Streets Program and, citing that the program has led to a 10.5% overall decrease in crime and a 54% reduction in outstanding warrants, asked for its continued support. As reported in the Cumberland Times-News:

Funded through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, the Safe Streets program began in 2012 to help jurisdictions with equipment, personnel and overtime to combat violent crime.

One of the most unique features of Safe Streets has been the infusion of state funding to allow police and sheriffs to conduct monthly warrant sweeps for wanted criminals.

“We have noticed that every time we don’t do a warrant sweep the crime will have a spike. When we have the warrants sweep it drops,” said David Goad, Safe Streets coordinator.

…

“The program is phenomenal,” said Robertson.

In 2012, Allegany County law enforcement received $180,000 from the grant. In 2013, the state awarded $238,000, and in 2014, $200,000 was issued.

“We are here to ask your continued support for the continued funding of our Safe Streets grant program,” said Hinnant.

For more information read the full article in the Cumberland Times-News.