Prison Scandal Aftermath: New Plans To Combat Gangs, Root Out Corruption
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP/WJZ) -- A panel of leading Maryland lawmakers will be hearing from state corrections officials about actions being taken to address a contraband scandal at the state-run Baltimore City Detention Center.
Governor Martin O'Malley says actions have already been taken to combat gangs and root out corruption at all Maryland prisons since the indictments at the BCDC.
In a press release, the governor outlines those steps, which include fingerprinting all prison visitors to confirm their identities, firing the BCDC security chief and relocating high-risk detainees to other facilities.
"Like all Marylanders, I am outraged by the criminal wrongdoing at the Baltimore City Detention Center," said Gov. O'Malley. "Our coordinated efforts with federal, state and local law enforcement partners have helped combat gangs, reduce violence and root out corruption. We understand there is more work to do, and we are working every day to build the public's confidence in our prison system."
Moving forward, the governor plans to install cell phone blocking technology at BCDC, create a polygraph unit for CO applicants and possibly deploying full body scanners to each detention facility.
The Legislative Policy Committee is scheduled to receive the briefing in Annapolis on Thursday.
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