State officials announce launch of Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit tracking program

BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown, in partnership with the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) Policy and Funding Committee and the Governors’ Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), have announced the launch of a statewide tracking system for Sexual Assault Evidence Kits (SAEKs). “When survivors can count on accountability in our justice system, we have […]

Maryland Natural Resources Police adopt body-worn cameras

BALTIMORE, MD—Following a 12-month pilot program, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has taken delivery of 275 Axon body-worn cameras, and has officially implemented an agency-wide program in which every sworn officer will wear cameras while on-duty. The cameras will now be worn by every officer while on duty. The cameras, which are equipped with high-definition recording capabilities, improved low-light performance, […]

Baltimore County seeks cold case sexual assault survivors for updates

TOWSON, MD—County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday joined Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger, TurnAround, Inc., the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA), and community leaders to announce a new public awareness initiative appealing to cold case sexual assault survivors between 1977 and 1997 who were treated at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. The effort […]

Governor Moore announces additional funding for faith-based organizations, nonprofits to help protect against hate crimes

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced $1 million in additional emergency state funding for hate crime prevention grants. Local organizations that serve protected classes and religious institutions are eligible for funding to hire security personnel for their facilities and membership through a new grant from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. “I’ve said it before, […]

Baltimore County announces commitment to complete testing of all GBMC slides by 2024 to support cold case sexual assault investigations [VIDEO]

TOWSON, MD—County Executive Johnny Olszewski and Baltimore County Police Department Chief Robert McCullough on Wednesday announced a new commitment to aggressively expedite testing of cold case sexual assault forensic evidence preserved by GBMC since the 1970s. Baltimore County plans to complete testing of all remaining GBMC slide cases by the end of 2024 in order to support cold case investigations […]

Governor Moore announces $6.3 million to protect against hate crimes, enhance local police recruitment efforts

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced $6.3 million in funding to protect against hate crimes and to enhance local police recruitment and retention efforts through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services. “Every Marylander has a role to play in combating racism, bias and hate and in keeping our communities safe,” said Governor Moore. “Through this […]

Maryland’s DNA database records 10,000th total hit

PIKESVILLE, MD—Colonel Woodrow W. Jones III, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, this week announced the latest milestone for Maryland’s DNA database, supporting its role as a tool for law enforcement in the ongoing effort to reduce crime, apprehend criminals, and exonerate the innocent. Maryland’s DNA database, housed at the State Police Forensic Sciences Division laboratory, has now recorded 10,000 […]

Governor Hogan announces record $122.5 million in police protection funding

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan onWednesday awarded a record $122.5 million in funding under the State Aid for Police Protection (SAPP) program. As a key plank of the governor’s Re-Fund The Police Initiative, the funding provides police officers with expanded resources to support operational costs and to help keep communities safe. “Prioritized by our budget, this record 60% increase in funding […]