Posted on 08/02/24
| News Source: FOX45
The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, regarding enforcement of the citation docket, believes more can be done--although they say, progress has been made with Baltimore police.
The citation docket, implemented by City State's Attorney Ivan Bates, is aimed at tackling low-level crimes--like loitering, drug possession with the intent to distribute and dirt biking.
But after a year since Bates rolled out the program---and the back and forth with the city---Bates says that enforcement efforts surrounding his docket still seem to be an issue.
"Well, we surely hope so," said Solomon. "Originally we had a slow start with BPD. But since then, we've had numerous trainings with BPD. We have seen an increase in citations issued by the police department, specifically in the Southeast District.
The citation docket was launched a little over a year ago, but police have only written roughly 100 citations over the past 13 months.
The program is designed to give low-level offenders citations, instead of criminal records--complete the program, which provides needed services, or face jail time.
During a crime walk this week near Lexington Market, Bates highlighted several changes that he says could improve public safety--one of them is his citation docket.
"We’re just walking around (Lexington Market and) you see quality of life violations almost every 20, 30, 40 feet (away from us), so to speak. If you don’t enforce the quality life (crimes) I think you also give a message (that the city is) ok with lawlessness," said Bates.