A Push For Changes In The Anti-gang Laws


Police and Maryland Prosecutors are looking for a change to toughen up Anti-Gang laws.

Prosecutors and police officers from across the state pleaded with legislators Tuesday for tougher anti-gang laws, saying they want to define who is a “gang member” and broaden the number of crimes that trigger longer prison sentences.

Law enforcement groups told the House Judiciary Committtee that the Maryland Gang Prevention Act, enacted two years ago to stiffen penalties for gang members, isn’t working because it fails to define “gang member,” doesn’t include enough gang-related crimes and carries no mandatory prison time. While it was used as leverage in one guilty plea in Prince George’s County, no one has been successfully prosecuted under the act.

“The statute is very hard to use because of its ambiguous language,” said Baltimore State’s Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy, who is leading the push for tougher anti-gang laws. “We find ourselves defending the law more than using it.”

Civil liberties groups and public defenders are opposing new anti-gang legislation, which they say would fill already crowded state prisons at a time when legislative analysts have suggested reducing incarceration as a cost-cutting measure. They say prevention and intervention are more effective ways to combat gangs.



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