On Friday, October 15th, Governor Larry Hogan proposed a $150 million initiative in support of police and victims’ services. The initiative will include some immediate funds from the state, but other funding priorities will need to be approved by the Maryland General Assembly in its upcoming session.
The Maryland Reporter summarized the initiative in a recent article:
- $45 million for local police aid
- $50 million for state police compensation
- $10 million for neighborhood safety grants
- $14 million to make up for congressional cuts to victims services programs
- $6 million to make up for state cuts to victims services programs
- $24 million for body cameras and other accountability resources
- 100% state match for both crime tips that lead to arrests and to incentivize witness testimony
Many local jurisdictions, including Howard and Anne Arundel Counties, will be required to equip their law enforcement officials with body worn cameras by July 1, 2023. As noted in a previous MACo statement, additional funds will be needed in the coming years to assist in the procurement of equipment and personnel to oversee body camera implementation and data storage. Body worn cameras were a part of several sweeping police reforms passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.
