–District 6 Delegate Bob Long submitted an article about his home detention legislation that addresses the issue of juvenile crime-
Juvenile crime has skyrocketed since new laws were passed to protect juvenile criminals. We are going to try to repeal those laws, but I found another loophole with juvenile crime.
There is not a clear penalty if a person commits a crime on home detention. We assume if a person is on home detention that they can’t or won’t commit a crime.
That is far from the truth.
I am sure you are aware of the mass shooting in the Brooklyn area of Baltimore City last summer.
Tristan Jackson, an 18-year-old, was traced to the shooting scene using an ankle monitor he was wearing. The Department of Juvenile Services confirmed Jackson was under their supervision during that mass shooting.
Jackson was charged with seven counts – Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder and seven counts – Attempted First-Degree Murder in that case but a judge granted a request to transfer Jackson to a juvenile detention, even though he is 18.
I am introducing legislation that will remove a person from the home detention program if the person violates the terms of the program. The home detention program is an alternative to incarceration and should be considered a privilege, not a right.
Enough is enough. We need to hold these criminals accountable. They need to follow the rules of the home detention program and not be out committing crimes. This must never happen again.
