Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced a $150 million "Re-Fund the Police Initiative" that will send millions of dollars to state and local police agencies.
“Trying to reduce crime by defunding the police is dangerous, radical, and far-left lunacy,” said Gov. Hogan. “It’s absurd and ridiculous.”
The proposal is divided into three parts. The bulk of the money - $120 million - will go to state and local police agencies.
- $45 million to increase police aid to local jurisdictions by 50% statewide, including a pro-rata share for Baltimore City
- $50 million for salary increases and hiring bonuses to ensure competitive compensation at state police agencies
- $24 million to create a new Accountability Resources Fund, which will be used to provide more body cams, de-escalation training, and other critical tools for state and local police agencies
- $1 million for the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association to further expand operational training and support
$10 million will be put into creating safer neighborhoods.
- $10 million in Neighborhood Safety Grants through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Main Street Maryland Program to support hardware upgrades, lighting, cameras, and increased security services for community organizations, business districts, and Main Streets
- A 100% state-funded match for all Crime Stoppers rewards that lead to arrests
$20 million will be used for victim Protection
- $14 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to restore drastic cuts by Congress to Victims of Crimes Act (VOCA) funding for victim services providers
- $6 million to restore cuts by the Maryland General Assembly for critical victims programs and initiatives, including the Sexual Assault Reimbursement Unity, the Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program, the Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence, the New Futures Bridge Subsidy Program, the Regional Navigators Program, and Community Service Coordinators
