Current:Home > MyMaryland Gov. Wes Moore proposes public safety measures-InfoLens
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore proposes public safety measures
View Date:2024-12-23 10:59:46
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore outlined three measures on Tuesday that he is prioritizing to improve public safety, including a new statewide center to help prevent gun violence.
The governor held a news conference to discuss the bills a day before the Maryland General Assembly gathers for its 90-day legislative session.
“We have got to confront this inexcusable fact that 75% of all homicides in Maryland are committed with a gun,” Moore, a Democrat, said. “This is a public safety crisis, but it’s also a public health crisis. We need to get these illegal guns off of our streets, and we will.”
Moore noted that President Joe Biden created the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and has recommended that states create their own offices.
Rob Wilcox, deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, thanked the governor for taking the step to create a state-level office. He described it as a critical step to focus investments and drive strategies to prevent gun violence.
“What we need is partnership,” Wilcox said. “What we need is an ecosystem where the federal government and its agencies have partners at the state level, partners at the local level, so we can make sure important funding dollars and important priorities get to where they need to go.”
The governor also is submitting legislation to increase apprenticeships in public safety to help boost the ranks of law enforcement officers.
“This legislation will build stronger pipelines to law enforcement jobs for all Marylanders, even those who do not pursue a four-year college degree,” Moore said. “And as we contend with workforce shortages across our public safety agencies, this bill will help us get more boots on the ground and help us to keep the boots that we already have.”
Moore also said he is introducing a measure to compensate victims of crime.
“When people feel safe and feel like justice will be served, then we have a better chance of getting convictions and actually closing cases,” Moore said. “And by forging stronger bonds with victims of crime, we can help break the cycles of violence in our communities, and that’s why this bill matters.”
Juvenile justice reforms are also expected to be taken up by state lawmakers. Moore said his administration will be an active participant in those conversations.
“We need to think seriously about lengthening probation for juveniles guilty of gun crimes, because that way we give juveniles the additional time to complete necessary rehabilitation programs,” Moore said.
The governor also said Maryland needs more accountability in its juvenile justice system for youths who repeatedly violate the law.
“I believe in rehabilitation, but I will not tolerate lawlessness,” Moore said. “We need accountability for the young person who picks up a handgun and threatens the safety of their neighbors. You cannot destroy the lives of other people and believe there will be no consequences.”
veryGood! (4976)
Related
- Will Trump’s hush money conviction stand? A judge will rule on the president-elect’s immunity claim
- Cecily Strong is expecting her first child: 'Very happily pregnant from IVF at 40'
- Trial in 2017 killings of 2 teenage girls in Indiana reaches midway point as prosecution rests
- Cheese village, Santa's Workshop: Aldi to debut themed Advent calendars for holidays
- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says next year will be his last in office; mum on his plans afterward
- Jury convicts former Kentucky officer of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during deadly raid
- A second high court rules that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
- Chloë Grace Moretz shares she is a 'gay woman' in Kamala Harris endorsement
- Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
- Richard Moore executed in South Carolina after governor rejects clemency arguments
Ranking
- Taking stock of bonds: Does the 60/40 rule still have a role in retirement savings?
- Richard Moore executed in South Carolina after governor rejects clemency arguments
- I went to the 'Today' show and Hoda Kotb's wellness weekend. It changed me.
- Election Throws Uncertainty Onto Biden’s Signature Climate Law
- Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day? Here's what to know
- Mountain Dew VooDew 2024: Halloween mystery flavor unveiled and it's not Twizzlers
- Florida will vote on marijuana, abortion in an election that will test GOP’s dominance
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Nice Comeback
Recommendation
-
What is prize money for NBA Cup in-season tournament? Players get boost in 2024
-
Advocates, Legislators Are Confident Maryland Law to Rectify Retail Energy Market Will Survive Industry’s Legal Challenge
-
A.J. Brown injury update: Eagles WR suffers knee injury in Week 9 game vs. Jaguars
-
Britain has banned protests outside abortion clinics, but silent prayer is a gray area
-
Whoopi Goldberg calling herself 'a working person' garners criticism from 'The View' fans
-
Jessica Simpson Marks 7 Years of Being Alcohol-Free in Touching Post About Sobriety Journey
-
Florida will vote on marijuana, abortion in an election that will test GOP’s dominance
-
Weather system in southern Caribbean expected to strengthen and head northward this week