MD. Maryland taxpayers taken for a ride on juvenile justice

After bringing in a new administration to “fix” juvenile justice in Maryland, the new administration with a proven track record of not being able to fix juvenile justice in other states is now creating a “task force” to look at the Missouri model of juvenile justice.

Good thing Maryland apparently has an unlimited budget to pay for its administration’s blunders including close to a 400% increase in injuries – we’d love to know what Maryland is paying out on these claims.  Not to mention the $1,000,000 (one million) dollars paid out for GPS trackers that do not work.

Case in point, a repeat juvenile offender was sent home with a GPS monitor.  Apparently, the GPS monitor does not work when it is removed from the person.  The Juvenile Offender removed the GPS and went out into the community and shot a 5 year old girl.  Juvenile authorities had no idea as apparently when the transmitter is not with the person it is worthless.  The cost of these transmitters $3,400 each.

Now Maryland Officials believe that the way to fix their Juvenile System is to look at the Missouri model.  The Missouri model is easy — juveniles arrested on petty crimes like truancy, minor mischief and cutting class are supervised and released back into the community.  Juveniles arrested for more serious crimes like car jacking, robbery and violence remain in custody.  You see, the folks running Maryland’s “juvenile justice system” make no distinction between the two.  Good thing there’s the Missouri model to help Maryland Officials figure it out.

Maybe the Missouri model will help Maryland Officials figure out that if they want to reduce escapism, assaults and injuries — they have to give staff the tools to maintain order, discipline and safety.  Or maybe Maryland Officials should just apply some common sense instead of wasting everyone’s time and money. See Story.

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