The following article has been submitted by Delegate Bob Long about DJS finally holding juveniles accountable after a crime has been committed
Last week, the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) made an announcement that many of us in Dundalk—and across Baltimore County—have long been waiting for: going forward, juveniles who are wearing ankle monitors and are arrested again will be held until their next court hearing.
This is not only a step in the right direction—it’s a long-overdue return to common sense.
For too long, I have heard from constituents across our district who are deeply concerned about the rising rates of youth-involved crime. Families worry about carjackings, burglaries, and street violence.
What’s even more frustrating is watching young offenders cycle in and out of the system with little consequence—sometimes being released the same day, even after reoffending while on electronic monitoring.
Someone that is supposed to be in their house on home detention should not be out on the street causing chaos. I have put legislation in for years that would do exactly what was announced last week (HB1154 in 2025 and HB799 in 2024). I am proud to have been a part of this common sense solution.
For political reasons, some powers that be did not want my name alone to be tied to this wildly popular policy to be adopted. However, I do not need political validation as long as what should be done gets done.
I did the leg work, motivated the masses, and put pressure upon the Department of Juvenile Services to make this decision.
Accountability is a cornerstone of justice, especially when public safety is at stake. When a juvenile on an ankle monitor violates the privilege of home detention by committing another offense, they must face real consequences.
This policy change by DJS is an important first step. It sends a clear message to youth offenders, families, and communities: we will not turn a blind eye to repeat criminal behavior.
I’ll keep fighting for policies that put law-abiding citizens in Baltimore County first and ensure that our laws reflect both accountability and common sense.
