State of Maryland Archives: on Crime
Alec Ross:
Education key to addressing crime
Ross said in the short term, more police presence can drive down crime, but in the long term, he advocates for more resources to city schools. "If you said to me, 'In 10 years, will
Baltimore be a safer place if we double the number of police officers or double the number of teachers?' I think we would be a safer city if we doubled the number of teachers."
Source: WBAL-TV on 2018 Maryland gubernatorial race
Jun 20, 2017
Anthony Brown:
Protect victims of domestic violence with better services
[As Lieutenant Governor], Anthony has championed a number of issues:- Protected victims of domestic violence by providing them with better access to services and protections under the law.
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Encouraged and recruited families to become foster or adoptive parents.
- Expanded employment and health services and to Veterans.
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Increased state aid to public school construction resulting in the construction of Nantucket Elementary School in Crofton and Wise High School in Upper Marlboro.
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Increased state aid to Anne Arundel Community College and Prince George's Community College by more than thirty percent.
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website AnthonyBrown.com
Nov 8, 2016
Arvin Vohra:
Drug crime is fake crime; abolish the DEA
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?A: Neutral. Most current imprisonment is for fake crime, such as drug crime. If there is no victim, there is no crime.
If elected, I will sponsor legislation to end the war on drugs, abolish the DEA, release nonviolent drug users, sellers, traffickers, and kingpins from prison, and cut taxes accordingly.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate
Mar 30, 2018
Ashwani Jain:
Ban the use of chokeholds; end the money-bail system
Right now there is a lack of trust between communities all around Maryland and our law enforcement professionals. This means we need to implement policing standards that will show our communities that officers who abuse their power can and will be
held accountable. This is why I want to listen to activists in their calls to ban the use of chokeholds and require de-escalation efforts in any confrontations and creating real consequences for officers that fail to live up to these standards.
We need to stop criminalizing poverty. I believe that we cannot end mass incarceration without first ending the money-bail system. I believe this is an ineffective, unfair, and racist way of approaching our prison system.
More often than not, the people most likely to spend time in jail awaiting trial are not the worst offenders, but the poorest ones.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
Ashwani Jain:
Repeal prohibition of prosecution for marital sexual assault
The idea that rape or sexual assault, unwanted touching, forcible sex or anything else of that nature is okay because the parties are married is arcane and insulting. Unfortunately, there are some laws in place that
prevent the prosecution of a spouse committing these types of offenses against their partner. I believe we need to repeal these prohibitions.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 14, 2021
Ben Jealous:
Smart-on-crime policies that create a just system for all
Our current criminal justice system is wasteful, inefficient, and makes us less safe.
We must implement smart-on-crime policies that ensure safety and prosperity while creating a just system for all.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com
Jun 26, 2018
Ben Jealous:
Diversion to shrink prison population 30%
Criminal Justice: Felon voting rights rules & how to address prison population.Hogan: Supported Justice Reinvestment Act to reduce incarceration for nonviolent criminals. Recently proposed harsher sentencing requirements.
Jealous: Wants to shrink prison population 30% through additional diversion of nonviolent offenders & increasing violence intervention programs, while increasing budget of homicide police.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Chelsea Manning:
If you live in wrong neighborhood you are in a police state
She touched on her time on prison and the effects imprisonment had on her life. She also touched on mass incarceration and the expanding population of American prisons. "We're not just in the police state. We're also in the prison state," said Manning.
"If you're in the wrong neighborhoods in this country, it looks the same as a military occupation in a foreign country." She assured the audience the only way to fix any of these problems is to set apart all of our differences and work together.
Source: Free Press Houston on 2018 Maryland Senate race
Dec 20, 2017
Dan Cox:
Hold dangerous criminals accountable with stiff jail terms
From defending our Second Amendment and supporting the Thin Blue Line, to attacking crime and human trafficking by passing sweeping legislation to hold dangerous criminals accountable with stiff jail terms, to opposing the lockdowns and draconian
Executive Orders destroying businesses while illegally limiting safe and inexpensive healthcare remedies to the most vulnerable, Dan Cox has and is fighting for the rule of law in our State Government as an elected member of the House of Delegates.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website CoxForFreedom.com
Apr 24, 2022
Dan Cox:
End police vaccine mandate and increase police pay
[On COVID vaccines]: "It's an honor to run to bring back sanity, to end the jabs for jobs, to end the mandates to make sure our police officers are not chased off the job by these jab mandates," said Cox. "What we're looking at is focused on ending
the mandates, restoring the constitution for every individual, making sure bodily integrity and medical health freedom is there for everyone, ending the government overreach, making sure our police are backed and protected. I'd like to double police pay.
Source: WJLA on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
May 30, 2022
Doug Gansler:
Bring every police shooting to the grand jury
- Bring every police shooting to the grand jury. Accountability for police violence is vital for Black Marylanders. But as a former prosecutor, I know that prosecutors and police work closely, making justice harder to come by.
The Gansler Administration will mandate every police shooting be brought before a grand jury so that evidence of police shootings is always heard by a jury of our peers.
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Prioritize returning citizens' employment opportunities. The burden of prison should not extend to obtaining a job after incarceration. It is not only good for those returning from incarceration but for all of us, as employment reduces recidivism.
We must invest in obtaining employment for every single person coming out of prison.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website DougGansler.com
Dec 29, 2021
Ian Schlakman:
Stricter punishment doesn't reduce crime
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Strongly oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Aug 21, 2018
Jamie Raskin:
Voted YES on repealing the death penalty
SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty
Bill Passed House (82-56-3); passed Senate (27-20-0); Sen. Raskin voted YEA.Highlights: - Repeals the death penalty in the state of Maryland
- Authorizes the governor to change the death sentence of
an inmate into a sentence of life without the possibility of parole
- Specifies that any pending case filed with the intention to seek the death penalty be automatically changed to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records
Mar 6, 2013
Kathy Szeliga:
Voted NO on repealing the death penalty
SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty
Bill Passed House (82 - 56); Rep. Kathy Szeliga voted Nay .Highlights: - Repeals the death penalty in the state of Maryland
- Authorizes the governor to change the death sentence of an inmate into a sentence of
life without the possibility of parole
- Specifies that any pending case filed with the intention to seek the death penalty be automatically changed to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland voting records
Mar 15, 2013
Kathy Szeliga:
Voted YES on tougher sentences for gun crimes
Governor Larry Hogan said, "This morning, we are signing a number of important initiatives, including tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders and people who commit crimes with a gun," said Governor Hogan.In December 2017, Governor Hogan
proposed a series of crime initiatives to address repeat violent offenders and criminal gang enterprises terrorizing communities across the state. Key provisions in Senate Bill 101, signed today, include eliminating parole eligibility for repeat violent
offenders and stronger sentences for people who commit crimes with a firearm. The legislation also prohibits violent offenders from being ordered to treatment in lieu of incarceration and strengthens sentences for sexual abuse of a minor.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 108-32-9 on March 31; Del. Kathy Szeliga voted YES; passed Senate 39-8-8 on April 3; signed by Gov. Hogan, April 24.
Source: Gov. Hogan's press release on Maryland voting record SB.101
Mar 31, 2018
Larry Hogan:
Vetoed expansion of voting rights to 40,000 ex-offenders
Several states have turned away from harsh criminal sentences and raised new questions about what happens to offenders once they are released, including their ability to participate fully in society. In February, the Maryland State Senate overrode a
veto by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan and expanded voting rights to 40,000 ex-offenders. In that the case, the law allowed ex-convicts to vote while on parole or probation. But the policies have been
controversial and provoked a partisan divide. Last December, newly elected Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) reversed an executive order by his Democratic predecessor to grant voting rights to ex-felons in
the state once they had completed their sentences. Governor Bevin framed his opposition to the executive order signed by then-Gov. Steve Beshear (D) on procedural rather than ideological terms.
Source: Christian Science Monitor on Maryland veto/voting records
Apr 22, 2016
Larry Hogan:
Justice for Victims Initiative: protect vulnerable citizens
Last year, we worked across the aisle to enact the Justice Reinvestment Act, which is the most important criminal justice reform in a generation. We worked to pass Noah's Law, named after Montgomery County police office--and a true Maryland hero--
Noah Leotta. We have already accomplished a great deal. But together, we can--and we must--do more.
This year, we plan to enact our Justice for Victims Initiative to improve services for the victims of crimes and to reduce the number of future victims of crime. We need to enact the Repeat Sexual Predator Prevention Act of 2017, the
Protecting Victims of Sex Trafficking Act, and the Repeat Drunk Driving Offenders Act. All of this legislation will help make Maryland safer and will protect the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Maryland Legislature
Feb 1, 2017
Larry Hogan:
Crack down on violent crime with truth-in-sentencing laws
We enacted tough anti-gang legislation, including a new Maryland RICO statute. This year, let's crack down on those violent criminals who use guns to commit crimes by passing tougher minimum sentences. And pass truth-in-sentencing legislation to require
that repeat violent criminals serve their full sentences without the possibility of suspension, parole, or probation. Let's strengthen Maryland's gang statutes and RICO law to help take down these drug dealing criminal gang enterprises.
Source: 2018 Maryland State of the State address
Jan 31, 2018
Larry Hogan:
Increase penalties for using guns to commit violent crimes
On behalf of all the people who are sick and tired of all of the senseless violence, I'm calling on the leaders in both parties, in both houses, to immediately pass and send to my desk the Violent Firearms Offender Act to increase penalties for those
who use guns to commit violent crimes, and the Judicial Transparency Act, because the public has a right to know about the sentences judges are giving or not giving to the most violent offenders.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to Maryland legislature
Feb 2, 2022
Margaret Flowers:
Racial justice: end disparities in incarceration
Racial injustice is deeply rooted in Maryland and throughout the United States. We see it everyday in policies that affect investment in communities, affordable housing, education, health care, access to high quality jobs, drug use, policing and
mass incarceration."Racial justice will be achieved when the root causes of it are addressed. This will require more than changing attitudes and practices, we need to end disparities in wealth, health and incarceration.
And it means policies that empower communities to have greater control over decisions that impact them, including community control of police, and investment in programs that end poverty and build community wealth.
It means drug policies that are based on public health and harm reduction; and it means taking the profit out of prisons. We need to honor the dignity of every human being."
Source: 2016 Maryland Senate campaign website, FlowersForSenate.org
Aug 8, 2016
Martin O`Malley:
Repealed death penalty; reduced prison incarceration
Today, with courageous law enforcement officers, we have now reduced violent crime to 30 year lows. With our first responders, shock trauma doctors and nurses, traffic deaths have been reduced now to the lowest levels in decades. We enacted common
sense measures to reduce gun violence. We repealed the death penalty and replaced it with life without the possibility of parole. And there are now fewer people incarcerated in Maryland's prisons today than at any time since 1994.
Source: 2014 State of the State Address to Maryland legislature
Jan 23, 2014
Michael Steele:
Combat the proliferation of gangs
Michael is committed to fighting poverty, drug addiction and criminal recidivism. He is devoted to securing Maryland neighborhoods and building safer streets by fighting crime. Michael worked to combat the proliferation of gangs threatening the
well-being of Maryland communities and the safety of Maryland children. Michael led the way in convening a Statewide Planning Group to develop a strategy to both prevent and respond to gang activity.
Source: Campaign site, MichaelSteeleForMaryland.com, "On the Issues"
May 2, 2006
Peter Franchot:
End all use of no-knock warrants
Franchot will support:- Ending all use of no-knock warrants
- Decertify any officer who was fired or resigned while under investigation for misconduct or excessive force
- Applying normal Public Information Act standards to all records on police
misconduct, use of force, and civilian complaints against police
- Expanding pending legislation that will create independent review of civilian deaths involving police, to include use-of-force incidents that result in hospitalization of civilians.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website TK.com
Jul 19, 2021
Richard Madaleno:
Voted YES on repealing the death penalty
SB 276 Repeals the Death Penalty
Bill Passed House (82-56-3); passed Senate (27-20-0); Sen. Madaleno voted YEA.Highlights: - Repeals the death penalty in the state of Maryland
- Authorizes the governor to change the death sentence of
an inmate into a sentence of life without the possibility of parole
- Specifies that any pending case filed with the intention to seek the death penalty be automatically changed to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2013-2014 Maryland legislative records
Mar 6, 2013
Richard Madaleno:
Require data collection on race-based traffic stops
OnTheIssues Q: what are your views on crime issues?- Voted YES on no longer requiring ex-offenders to be tested for drugs
- Voted YES on allowing persons convicted of possession of marijuana to petition for expungement of record
- Voted YES
on establishing minimum amount of $300 subject to forfeiture
- Voted YES on requiring data collection on race-based traffic stops
- Voted YES on stripping parental rights from rapists
- Voted YES to allowing ex-felons to apply for food stamps
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
Jun 1, 2018
Richard Madaleno:
Voted NO on tougher sentences for gun crimes
Governor Larry Hogan said, "This morning, we are signing a number of important initiatives, including tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders and people who commit crimes with a gun," said Governor Hogan.In December 2017, Governor Hogan
proposed a series of crime initiatives to address repeat violent offenders and criminal gang enterprises terrorizing communities across the state. Key provisions in Senate Bill 101, signed today, include eliminating parole eligibility for repeat violent
offenders and stronger sentences for people who commit crimes with a firearm. The legislation also prohibits violent offenders from being ordered to treatment in lieu of incarceration and strengthens sentences for sexual abuse of a minor.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 108-32-9 on March 31; passed Senate 39-8-8 on April 3; Sen. Richard Madaleno voted NAY; signed by Gov. Hogan, April 24.
Source: Gov. Hogan's press release on Maryland voting record SB.101
Apr 3, 2018
Rushern Baker:
Key to public safety is healing underlying root causes
Experience tells us that the key to unlocking public safety is healing underlying root causes and creating unique approaches tailored to the specific needs of each jurisdiction. The Transforming Maryland Initiative (TMI) is our answer.
However, we also know a crisis when we see one, and that's exactly what is happening in Baltimore with the killing of mostly young, Black men. This will end with our administration.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website RushernBaker.com
Jun 24, 2022
Shawn Quinn:
Stricter punishment doesn't reduce crime
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Oppose.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate
May 13, 2018
Thomas Perez:
We need full-scale, nationwide reform of police departments
Tom knows that we need a full-scale, nationwide reform of our police departments. In the 2020 legislative session, Democratic lawmakers put Maryland at the forefront of police reform by recognizing a call to action and passing landmark legislation that
has the potential to transform policing in Maryland and address longstanding, deeply rooted trust gaps that have catastrophic consequences. We can restore public faith in law enforcement. We can reduce crime while respecting the Constitution.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com
Jul 18, 2021
Wes Moore:
Remove barriers to state aid for those with criminal records
- Remove barriers to state financial aid for individuals with criminal records
- Grow the Apprenticeship for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Pilot Program in both number of locations and funding
- Better align prison education and re-entry
programs to the University System of Maryland, using the Second Chance College Program as a blueprint
- Implement clean slate initiatives and expungement mechanisms to ensure that low-level nonviolent offenses do not become life sentences
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com
Jul 24, 2022
Larry Hogan:
Losing faith in our justice system a really serious problem
First, we had the left talking about defunding the police and attacking police officers, and now we have the right saying defund these federal law enforcement officers. And it's absurd. It's dangerous because we saw the
one incident already, but there are threats all over the place.Losing faith in our federal law enforcement officers and our justice system is a really serious problem for the county.
Source: ABC This Week on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Aug 28, 2022
Robin Ficker:
The police should be Officer Friendly with constituents
Well, you know, it's the governor's job to see that people are safe. And we want police that are doing that. The police should be Officer Friendly, treat the constituents as they would their brother or sister. But, of course, if a criminal is going to
act violently, we're not going to put up with that. And if you want to act violently--go out into the boxing ring or go and play football. But don't bring a gun with you and try to hold up an innocent person.
Source: WTOP on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Jun 28, 2022
David Trone:
Leader of Second Chance Task Force, improve reentry outcomes
David is the leader of the new Second Chance Task Force to promote policies that will improve reentry outcomes for returning citizens--
working to implement the First Step Act, clear eligible criminal records, and 'ban the box' on job applications.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website DavidTrone.com
Jul 31, 2023
Wes Moore:
We take an all-of-the-above approach to public safety
Our administration will continue an all-of-the-above approach to public safety;- We will listen to law enforcement AND the communities they protect;
- We will listen to State's Attorneys AND our public defenders;
- We will listen to elected
leaders AND our local advocates.
- Marylanders are seeking justice for victims of crime--more accountability for people who break the law--and better rehabilitation for our children.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 7, 2024
Angela Alsobrooks:
Prosecuted violent criminals, police and official misconduct
Angela held a variety of roles in county government before making history as the youngest and first woman to be elected Prince George's County State's Attorney. As the county's top law enforcement officer, Angela stood up for families, taking on some of
Maryland's worst criminals, while treating victims and the accused with dignity and respect. Under her tenure, violent crime dropped by 50% and she established a first-of-its-kind unit to investigate and prosecute police and official misconduct.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com
Feb 16, 2024
Angela Alsobrooks:
Enhance police accountability with comprehensive changes
Criminal Justice : How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?- Angela Alsobrooks (D): "Believes in the need for comprehensive changes that promote safety, justice, and equity for all residents."
Implemented reforms enhancing police accountability. "Everyone has the right to feel secure" in their homes, schools, businesses.
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Larry Hogan (R): Boosted police funding, calling it "re-fund the police." Vetoed police reform bills, including body-camera mandates and limits on "no-knock" warrants.
Let a bill become law without his signature that created a state unit to investigate police-involved deaths.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Angela Alsobrooks:
Reforms for police accountability and comprehensive equity
Criminal Justice : How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?- Angela Alsobrooks (D): "Believes in the need for comprehensive changes that promote safety, justice, and equity for all residents."
Implemented reforms enhancing police accountability. "Everyone has the right to feel secure" in their homes, schools, businesses.
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Larry Hogan (R): Boosted police funding, calling it "re-fund the police." Vetoed police reform bills, including body-camera mandates and limits on "no-knock" warrants.
Let a bill become law without his signature that created a state unit to investigate police-involved deaths.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Larry Hogan:
Re-fund the police; vetoed police reform bills
Criminal Justice : How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?- Angela Alsobrooks (D): "Believes in the need for comprehensive changes that promote safety, justice, and equity for all residents."
Implemented reforms enhancing police accountability. "Everyone has the right to feel secure" in their homes, schools, businesses.
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Larry Hogan (R): Boosted police funding, calling it "re-fund the police." Vetoed police reform bills, including body-camera mandates and limits on "no-knock" warrants.
Let a bill become law without his signature that created a state unit to investigate police-involved deaths.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Larry Hogan:
Re-fund the police: vetoed police reform bills
Criminal Justice : How to ensure effectiveness and fairness in law enforcement?- Angela Alsobrooks (D): "Believes in the need for comprehensive changes that promote safety, justice, and equity for all residents."
Implemented reforms enhancing police accountability. "Everyone has the right to feel secure" in their homes, schools, businesses.
-
Larry Hogan (R): Boosted police funding, calling it "re-fund the police." Vetoed police reform bills, including body-camera mandates and limits on "no-knock" warrants.
Let a bill become law without his signature that created a state unit to investigate police-involved deaths.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Robin Ficker:
Keep funding for police departments as-is
Q: CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY: I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs?
A: Strongly Disagree
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Maryland Senate race
Nov 1, 2016
Wes Moore:
Reform juvenile justice system, give boys a second chance
We have made it an all-of-government and all-of-society effort to be able to do things like get more men inside the classroom, to get more men inside of health care, to make sure that we're doing things like reforming of a juvenile justice system
and providing more supports for young boys that are falling into the juvenile justice system and giving them a legitimate shot at having a second chance, that this is not just going to be good for young men. It's going to be good for our large society.
Source: CNN SOTU 2025 interview on 2026 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Mar 30, 2025
Christopher Bouchat:
Compassion for rehabilitation, but demand consequences
Bouchat's journey began with trouble. At 16, he was incarcerated for nine months as a juvenile offender. That experience, he says, shaped his understanding of crime, accountability, and rehabilitation. Two decades later, Bouchat was himself the victim
of violent crime--he survived an attempted murder in May 1995. These contrasting experiences--both as offender and victim--form the backbone of his tough-on-crime stance: compassion for rehabilitation, but a firm demand for consequences.
Source: Maryland Bay News on 2026 Maryland Gubernatorial race
Sep 8, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026