Cecil 9-1-1 Specialist Named Maryland’s Dispatcher of the Year
Photo courtesy of Cecil County Government.
County News / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections
Cecil 9-1-1 Specialist Named Maryland’s Dispatcher of the Year

The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) on Wednesday named Cecil County Dispatcher Angela Puskarich the Emergency Medical Dispatcher of the Year at the Maryland Star of Life Awards ceremony in Annapolis. Ms. Puskarich was presented her award by MIEMSS Executive Director Dr. Ted Delbridge, MD, MPH, and Emergency Medical Services Board Chair Clay Stamp. “Angela is an outstanding asset to the 911 Center. She is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Cecil…

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May 23, 2019
Queen Anne’s: Beach Traffic Gridlock Jeopardizes Public Safety
First Responders, local health officials, and residents express concerns over traffic congestion to the Queen Annne's County Commissioners. (Photo courtesy of Queen Anne's County.)
County News / Intergovernmental Relations / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections / Transportation and Public Works
Queen Anne’s: Beach Traffic Gridlock Jeopardizes Public Safety

Concerns over weekend beach traffic, notorious for clogging local roadways in Queen Anne's County, reached a boiling point on Tuesday at the semimonthly county commissioners meeting. Emergency responders, public health officials, and local residents say the gridlock poses a serious risk to the health and well-being of county residents. When Route 50 backs up during the summer months, impatient motorists spill onto local roads. The ensuing traffic gridlock severely hinders the ability of First Responders…

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May 23, 2019
AG Investigation Results in Human Trafficking Charges
County News / Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
AG Investigation Results in Human Trafficking Charges

Attorney General Frosh has charged two individuals with human trafficking and other crimes following an investigation that spanned nine months and four counties. As announced in a press release: The indictments charge that Valdez Lawrence of Baltimore, and Mary Carr of Dundalk, forced women to engage in sexual acts for money in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Howard County. Charges in the indictment include human trafficking, conspiracy, receiving earnings of a prostitute,…

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May 20, 2019
Why Don’t More Police Carry the Opioid Antidote?
Health and Human Services / Public Safety and Corrections
Why Don’t More Police Carry the Opioid Antidote?

The answer is cost. While more law enforcement departments have officers carrying naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses, nationwide the amount has not reached the "saturation point" primarily because of costs. As reported by Governing: Some local governments argue that their emergency medical services are better equipped to administer the drug, making it redundant for police to carry it. But the most frequently cited reason for not equipping police? Costs. Not only do officers need to…

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May 16, 2019
Frederick Law Enforcement Agencies Partner to Fight Cyber Crimes Against Children
County News / Public Safety and Corrections
Frederick Law Enforcement Agencies Partner to Fight Cyber Crimes Against Children

Frederick County's Police Department, Sheriffs Office, and State's Attorney have partnered to form a "cyber crimes task force." The partnership is intended to help improve coordination and communication concerning the investigation and prosecution of cyber crimes against children. The Frederick News-Post reports: “The increase in demand for this type of investigation and prosecution just over the last 20 years [has] quadrupled, to say the least, in the amount of cases that we’re seeing,” Smith said.…

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May 16, 2019
Caroline County Names Charles Scott as Warden of County Detention Center
County News / Public Safety and Corrections
Caroline County Names Charles Scott as Warden of County Detention Center

The Caroline County Commissioners have appointed Charles Scott to serve as warden of the county detention center. As announced in a county press release: During his long career in public safety, Scott has been responsible for overseeing a correctional treatment facility as well as commanding an Emergency Response Team, K-9 Unit, and developing and implementing policies, procedures and continuity of operations plans. As the Commander of Special Operations, Scott oversaw the Tactical Operation Unit which included…

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May 15, 2019
Medical Marijuana at Work: Where Is the Line Drawn?
County News / Employee Benefits and Relations / Government Liability and Courts / Public Safety and Corrections
Medical Marijuana at Work: Where Is the Line Drawn?

States, including Maryland, have moved to legalize medically-recommended marijuana - but frequently without altering workplace laws. Courts may be moving in the employees' direction. Medical cannabis has been approved in more than 30 states, but most of them have not made accompanying changes to workplace protections. Can an employee, using marijuana in compliance with that state's process for legal purchase and use, be disciplined or terminated for showing signs on the job? Is the need…

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May 15, 2019
Love Maryland? You’ve Got Company!
Economic Development / Education / Environment / Health and Human Services / Housing and Community Development / Public Safety and Corrections
Love Maryland? You’ve Got Company!

A recent US News & World Report study rates Maryland in the top tier of "best states." US News and World Report recently released its quantitative rankings for all 50 states -- with Maryland finished #6 in the ranking, with nearby Virginia just behind at #7. US News routinely offers their well-known rankings and reviews of colleges and universities, and has expanded to offering analysis of other fields as well. From US News coverage: The Best States…

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May 14, 2019
Proposed Settlement Puts One Texas County on the Cusp of Major Bail and Pretrial Reform
Public Safety and Corrections
Proposed Settlement Puts One Texas County on the Cusp of Major Bail and Pretrial Reform

Following a class action lawsuit, a Texas county's cash bail system was found to be unconstitutional as some indigent misdemeanor defendants were being held in jail solely because they could not afford bail. The proposed settlement to that lawsuit could impose landmark changes to how Harris County, the third most populous county in the nation, handles bail and services for misdemeanor defendants. While the county had some unique issues at play the settlement if imposed…

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May 9, 2019
Federal Behavioral Health Grants Available!
Health and Human Services / NACo and Federal Issues / Public Safety and Corrections
Federal Behavioral Health Grants Available!

Looking for grants to support your local behavioral health programs? The following list of federal grant opportunities was shared on NACo County News: Improving Reentry for Adults with Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding for the FY2019 Improving Reentry for Adults with Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness. Awardees will receive up to $1 million and technical assistance to implement or expand systems…

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May 9, 2019
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