July 19, 2019

Van Hollen, Cummings, Ruppersberger, and Sarbanes Meet with Baltimore City Police Commissioner Harrison, Mayor Young

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Representatives Elijah E. Cummings, Dutch Ruppersberger, and John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) met with Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison and Mayor Jack Young. The Members discussed the Commissioner’s recently released crime plan and their commitment to the Baltimore City Consent Decree. They also spoke about ways that the Congressional delegation can provide support and federal resources to improve public safety in Baltimore City, including through programs like the Public Safety Partnership.

“Team Maryland is committed to strengthening Baltimore City and bolstering its public safety efforts. Joining forces on the local, state, and federal levels will help us achieve those goals, and I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Commissioner Harrison and Mayor Young to discuss ways we can work together. Through my role on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for critical public safety resources to help the City succeed,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen.

“We had a productive meeting with Commissioner Harrison and Mayor Young today discussing the Commissioner’s crime plan, the consent decree, and how we can best work together to keep our city safe. I remain committed to ensuring Baltimore City is a place where all residents are safe, respected, and provided the opportunity to thrive and prosper,” said Congressman Cummings.

“I left today’s meeting with a new sense of hope for the future of Baltimore. I appreciate Commissioner Harrison’s commitment to complying with the terms of the federal consent decree that will restore trust between our law enforcement officers and the people they protect. I also look forward to reviewing his new crime reduction and reform plan which, on its surface, appears to be rooted in community and accountability. The current violence on the streets of Baltimore is simply not sustainable and requires an all-hands-on-deck approach and we stand ready to assist from the federal level any way we can,” said Congressman Ruppersberger.

“After today’s meeting with Commissioner Harrison and Mayor Young, I remain hopeful that the Commissioner’s commitment to the consent decree, along with the city’s new crime reduction plan, will help enhance community relations and improve public safety across Baltimore,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “We must continue working together at the local, state and federal levels to restore trust in local law enforcement and keep our communities safe.” 

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