Crime

Witness Protection

It is imperative that we increase the resources made available to local witness protection programs. We cannot leave brave citizens unprotected after coming forward to report crimes. Known criminals are in our midst daily because people are intimidated into remaining silent. This creates a fundamental break down in our criminal justice system. State and local prosecutors often find themselves faced with the choice of funding investigations or funding costly witness protection programs. The result, unfortunately, is sometimes no protection at all.

This is why I was prompted to introduce the Witness Security and Protection Act, which would establish a short term State Witness Protection Program in the U.S. Marshals Service. It would serve to protect witnesses in state and local trials involving homicide or other major violent crimes. The legislation would also authorize the U.S. Attorney General to make grants available to eligible prosecutor's offices for the purpose of providing witness protection.

In addition, I sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales urging his immediate assistance to strengthen witness protection in Baltimore City by providing increased protection from the U.S. Marshals Service. I wrote the letter to the Attorney General because of ongoing incidents of apparent witness intimidation.

Gangs

We must recognize that our young men and women need hope and opportunity to guide them on the path towards becoming productive adults.  That is why it is vital that we end gang activity where it starts, by ensuring fewer young people are in the pipeline for gang enlistment.

I was pleased and encouraged that I was able to announce that the Baltimore City Public School System has been awarded a $4.8 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor for its Public School District Strategies for Reducing Youth Involvement in Gangs Program.

Crime and gang activity has moved beyond a neighborhood scourge. These operations have now increased their level of organization and are increasing influenced by an influx of national and international gangs. We must meet this challenge by providing the resources to steer our youth away from criminal activity. That is what these funds will be used for.