America’s war on drug users is over in the City of Baltimore, according to Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. Baltimore will no longer prosecute low-level crimes to focus on more severe and violent crimes while also stopping the spread of Covid-19 behind bars. Baltimore will no longer prosecute crimes such as drug and drug paraphernalia possession, prostitution, trespassing, minor traffic offenses, and open container violations.
Baltimore is a part of an experiment called “The Covid Criminal Justice Policies,” where legislation will approach low-level crimes as a public health issue instead. Baltimore works with community partners to take on the issues outside the legislation’s jurisdiction. The Baltimore Police Department is partnering with Baltimore Crisis Response Inc. (BCRI), a crisis center that deals with substance abuse and mental health. Instead of locking up individuals who committed low-level offenses, Baltimore will offer helpful services instead.
Since the start of The Covid Criminal Justice Policies, incarceration rates are down 18%, violent crimes are down 20%, and property crimes are down 36%. This reform allows officers to focus on serious crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking cases, and drug distribution organizations. Baltimore is working towards a safer and healthier community.
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