Governor Moore orders a review of information sharing procedures for juveniles charged/convicted of violent crimes and authorizes immediate action to change regulations

ANNAPOLIS, MD. — Gov. Wes Moore this week directed the Department of Youth Services to conduct an interagency review of information sharing procedures for youth charged or convicted of violent crimes who attend public schools in Maryland.

An initial review involving the Maryland State Department of Education, the Office of the Attorney General and the Maryland Center for School Safety resulted in the Maryland State Department of Education taking immediate action to change regulations, procedures for reportable crimes Clarify and make improvements in the communication of justice-involved youth information between law enforcement, schools, and government agencies.

“This administration is committed to keeping our communities safe, ensuring accountability, protecting the rights of all Marylanders and working together to address complex problems for which there are no easy answers.” said Governor Moore. “The actions we are taking today will help us make Maryland safer as we continue to work with all segments of society to meet the needs of our schools. And I will study this interagency review closely once it is completed.”

When a student is arrested for certain crimes, Maryland law requires the law enforcement agency making the arrest to notify the student's local superintendent, principal, and school security officers within 24 hours of the arrest of the arrest and the to inform the prosecution.

The offenses known as 'reportable offences' refer to serious offenses within the meaning of the Act that have been committed outside school premises and not at a school-sponsored event. Crimes related to a student's membership in a criminal organization are also subject to reporting.

Reportable crime reporting procedures are not intended to punish court-involved students, but are intended to help provide information that may impact safety dynamics within local school communities. Local educational authorities must balance the educational rights and needs of justice-involved students with the safety of the school's general population, including students and staff.

“We need comprehensive solutions that leverage the collective expertise of education agencies, public safety, law enforcement and other state government partners to address complex factors that can put school communities at risk.” said state school principal Dr. Carey M. Wright. “Every community deserves schools that are safe places to learn, teach and work. I appreciate this collaboration on behalf of our students, educators, families and community members.”

The ongoing review will inform, in part, the work of the Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform and New Best Practices – a statewide commission to review and report on juvenile justice services, facilities and programs in Maryland. The first meeting of the commission will take place in the coming weeks.

“Swift action and a committed partnership between law enforcement and our school systems will help ensure that the systems committed to justice for Maryland’s youth also ensure school safety.” said Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vinny Schiraldi. “Together, we continue to promote accountability and opportunity for justice-involved youth across the state.”

Related