By Tashi McQueen,
AFRO Political Writer,
tmcqueen@afro.com
In a room full of Baltimore City and Baltimore County residents, community leaders and public officials, many shared what concerns them the most about the state of public safety in Baltimore, and demanded answers.
The joint public safety town hall was held in Mount Pleasant Church and Ministries in East Baltimore on Nov. 28.
“I was just carjacked last Monday. I [spent] almost 30 hours in the hospital with a concussion. Today’s the first day that I can walk because of the concussion,” said Donna Tallent, a 72-year-old Baltimore County resident, at the town hall. “This happened in my backyard. I had a panic button on my keys; I couldn’t even hit it fast enough. It happened that quickly. I want these children prosecuted. I want something to happen. I don’t want them to get slapped on the wrist and be sent home with mommy and daddy, who’s not going to take care of it.”
Tallent said a 15- and 16-year-old pistol-whipped her and stole her car. Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCollough informed Tallent that the 16-year-old was waived to adult status, which attendees applauded.
A prominent concern for the community members who spoke up was the increase in carjacking and assaults carried out by Baltimore youth.
“I am very upset. I’ve been in this neighborhood for 43 years – my neighbors around me are wonderful, and this is the first time anything like this has happened,” continued Tallent.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates responded to Tallent’s frustrations.
“When an individual takes your car and the police may find that individual in your car, that doesn’t automatically mean the police have charged that individual with carjacking,” said Bates, further explaining that more investigation has to be done from there, contributing to the slow responses and repeat offenders ending back on the streets. He said this issue will be addressed in his 2024 legislative package.
“I would like to have the cases brought to the Judicial Magistrate, so the state’s attorney, the police department, the public defenders and DJS (Department of Juvenile Services) can all say we need to do more work on this case right away,” he said. “When the case sits in DJS’ hands for 30 days before they make a decision about what to do with it, then naturally you see cases slip through the cracks.”
He added, “At the end of the day, they are our children, but they must be held accountable.”
Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger said one of his initiatives for the upcoming legislative session would be ensuring repeat teen offenders are treated as adults.
“Folks in Annapolis, for the last couple of years, have been trying to change the laws to let the police in my office charge 15- and 16-year-olds as adults if they have a bad background. I’d like to reinforce the fact that I’m going to continue to fight that because I believe when a 16-year-old hits somebody with a gun, they need to be treated like an adult,” said Shellenberger.
Newly appointed Baltimore Police Department Commissioner Richard Worley joined the session, providing insight into what the community can do to stay protected when in your vehicle.
“If the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, there’s most likely something’s going on,” he said. “Trust your instincts. Don’t park, just keep going.”
Worley suggests people remain aware of their surroundings and enter their homes as soon as they arrive.
Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen advised people to stay connected with their neighbors and look out for one another.
“Join your community association and speak with your neighbors. Install ring door cameras, keep your lights on, and look out for each other. It’s the simple stuff that we know we all should do as a community,” said Cogen. “If someone tries to assault one of us, it’s all of our business. We need to look out for each other like we never have before.
Legislators encouraged residents to engage in the Maryland General Assembly 2024 session to continue to have their voices heard on a state level and help pass needed legislation.
Del. Caylin Young (D- Dist. 45) will lead an information session on Jan. 6 at Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School, helping Baltimore residents navigate submitting virtual testimony during the state legislative session. Computers will be provided. Register at https://forms.gle/Gdat3jMAZf499Eee7 .