Juvenile crime continues to be a major concern leading into the 2024 legislative session, local and state officials discussed what can be done at #MACoCon. 

A panel of local officials came together on the first day of the 2023 MACo Winter Conference to discuss juvenile crime in Maryland. The panel brought together a group of local departments to share their feedback on how implementation of the new policies has gone. Representatives from county law offices, law enforcement, county social services, and county citizen services divisions shared feedback.

Lawrence Scott, the Cecil County Attorney, described changes from both the Juvenile Justice Reform Act and the Child Interrogation Protection Act. He reiterated that despite challenges, the changes are here to stay and finding a way to work through the issues should be a priority. Chief Russell Hamill from Laurel went on to share how implementation on the ground has gone for law enforcement and agreed that while there are additional barriers to gathering vital information better education and information from the State to local law enforcement would help.

As the 2024 General Assembly session draws near, lawmakers and county officials at the Maryland Association of Counties winter conference discussed recent juvenile justice reforms and potential changes.https://t.co/hgQEJdNOt8

— Maryland Matters (@marylandmatters) December 7, 2023

Social services and citizen services experts on the panel included Prince George’s County Social Services attorney, Milton McIver, and Cecil County Citizens Services Director, David Trolio. Both of their divisions make referrals to and receive referrals from the Department of Juvenile Services and law enforcement. Feedback included concerns that changes in the law compromise accountability for youth with decriminalization and concerns that services need to evolve to meet greater diversification needs and a changing population. When asked about any legislative changes the moderator, Senator Jill P. Carter, reiterated the importance of making sure education and training for all local teams is properly undertaken before the law can be assessed effectively.

Title: Juvenile Justice Pt 1: The Local Role

Speakers:

• • Lawrence Scott – Cecil County Attorney
  • Milton McIver – Attorney, Prince George’s County Department of Social Services
  • David Trolio – Director, Cecil County Department of Community Services
  • Russ Hamill – Chief of Police, Laurel Police Department

Moderator: The Honorable Senator Jill Carter