A new diversion program was proposed and debated during a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council meeting with state and city leaders for first-time auto theft suspects, but some in law enforcement were quick to push back.
During the CJCC meeting, representatives from the Office of Public Defender proposed an idea to divert people away from the criminal justice system if they are between 18 and 21 years old and accused of stealing a car for the first time.
A representative from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office who was participating in the virtual hearing initially said the office was “not in a position where we can make a commitment on this” proposal.
Mayor Brandon Scott raised concerns initially as well, noting it was difficult to determine whether someone in that age range didn’t have a criminal record.
“The reality is, it happens all the time, we find out after the fact that person has been doing this for a long time because none of us knew,” Mayor Scott said during the virtual meeting.
On the phone during the virtual CJCC meeting, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley was clear in his opposition to the proposal.
“We support diversion, but we are never going to support a diversion for a felony. Auto theft is still a felony,” Worley said.
Friday morning, FOX45 News questioned Mayor Scott on the proposal and what he believes needs to unfold to ensure people stop committing crimes.
“Ultimately, what we want is accountability, healing, and the victims to get restitution,” he said, noting that he did not tell BPD to move forward with the plan and is waiting more data from OPD to explain if such diversionary programs are effective elsewhere.
“The police department in Baltimore City works at my order, and I’ve ordered them to make the arrests when people commit those crimes,” Mayor Scott said.
Angela Galeano, chief of staff at the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, said Ivan Bates has been clear in his opposition to such a diversionary program, and OPD knew that when they sought to partner with BPD instead.
“This is eerily similar to the challenges we’ve seen with DJS,” Galeano said. “I think the Public Defender’s Office seems to have misguided priorities.”
What happened at that meeting this week, was the Public Defenders’ Office attempting, yet again, to avoid seeking accountability for individuals committing crimes, Galeano added.
Involving the state’s attorney’s office in charging decisions is important for the criminal justice system to unfold, Galeano said, and by diverting the cases, the top prosecutors would not have input.
Questions to OPD asking for data indicating similar diversion programs are effective elsewhere for this group of young adults were not immediately returned Friday.
For now, the program is not in place. Mayor Scott said he has instructed BPD to continue making the arrests for such cases.
But, Galeano said diverting cases for these young adults could send a message that signals a lack of accountability.
“Without substantive data that shows previous successes in diversion programs, we have no way of knowing that this is a program that’s not going to lead them to believe that,” she said.
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