![[photo, Hampton Plaza, 300 East Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/22dpscs/images/1198-1-732.jpg)
Through its correctional institutions and parole and probation programs, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has statewide responsibility to supervise and rehabilitate those adjudicated individuals who pose a threat to the public. The Department also sets standards for criminal justice training, and operates criminal justice information systems.
From 2003 to 2007, the Department conducted its work in four main areas: Administration; Operations; Property Services; and Treatment Services. In July 2007, Operations was abolished, and Property Services reformed as Capital Programs. Since that time, the three main divisions of the Department, including Correction, Parole and Probation, and Pretrial Detention and Services, report directly to the Secretary (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-201).
Hampton Plaza, 300 East Joppa Road, Towson, Maryland, May 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services is charged with carrying out the Governor's policies in the areas of public safety, crime prevention, correction, parole, and probation (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 2-101 through 2-118).
The Secretary chairs the Correctional Training Commission, the Maryland State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, and the Task Force to Study the Laws and Polices relating to Representation of Indigent Criminal Defendants by the Office of Public Defender, and co-chairs the Education and Workforce Training Coordinating Council for Correctional Institutions. The Secretary also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Asbestos Oversight Committee; the Cease Fire Council; the Baltimore City Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; the State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy; the Maryland State Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council; the Governor's Family Violence Council; the Maryland Green Purchasing Committee; the Governor's Interagency Council on Homelessness; the Maryland Integrated Map Executive Committee; the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Pricing Committee for Blind Industries and Services of Maryland; the Pricing and Selection Committee for the Employment Works Program; the Police Training Commission; the Sexual Offender Advisory Board; the Maryland Commission on Suicide Prevention; the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council; the State Board of Victim Services; and the Governor's Workforce Investment Board.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY & CHIEF OF STAFF
The Commission on Correctional Standards formed in 1980 to improve standards for correctional facilities and programs and to ensure compliance with standards for the public health, safety, and welfare (Chapter 535, Acts of 1980). The Commission advises the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services on standards for State and local correctional facilities; provides technical assistance to local governments; audits facilities to determine compliance with correctional standards; and determines schedules for remedial action of jurisdictions that do not comply. After a public hearing, the Commission may order a correctional facility to close if it does not comply with established standards. The Commission also reviews and acts on appeals of staff audit reports.
To make State and national standards compatible, the Commission consults with national agencies promulgating correctional standards. The Commission also may consult and cooperate with State agencies and local jurisdictions on correctional standards and may establish advisory boards.
Eleven members constitute the Commission. Eight are appointed for three-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. Three serve ex officio. With the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission appoints the Executive Director (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 8-106 through 8-117).
HANDGUN PERMIT REVIEW BOARD
The Handgun Permit Review Board formed in 1972 (Chapter 13, Acts of 1972). Any person whose application for a handgun permit or renewal of a permit has been rejected or whose permit has been revoked or limited may ask the Board to review the decision of the Secretary of State Police. The Board can either sustain, reverse, or modify the decision of the Secretary, or conduct a hearing to establish the facts.
To three-year terms, the Governor appoints the Board's five members with Senate advice and consent (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 5-301 through 5-314).
POLICE & CORRECTIONAL TRAINING COMMISSIONS
Police and Correctional Training Commissions regulates and enforces the training and certification standards for all Maryland police, correctional officers, and training academies. Moreover, training and professional development sessions are provided to public safety and criminal justice employees from public and private agencies in Maryland and from other states. Located at the Public Safety Education and Training Center, Police and Correctional Training Commissions operates the Center Complex.
The Commission sets minimum qualifications for instructors and certifies qualified instructors for approved training schools. It verifies which officers have satisfactorily completed training programs, and issues diplomas (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 3-209).
Persons who have met Commission standards are certified by the Commission as police officers. Under certain conditions, the Commission also can suspend or revoke certification. Persons not satisfactorily trained in the twelve-month probationary period may not be employed as police officers. Nor may a police officer serve after certification has been revoked, suspended, or allowed to lapse.
The Police Training Commission consists of fifteen members. Twelve serve ex officio. With Senate advice and consent, the Governor appoints three members to three-year terms. With the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission appoints the Executive Director (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 3-201 through 3-218).
CORRECTIONAL TRAINING COMMISSION
Correctional training methods and procedures for all correctional schools are evaluated by the Commission. In addition, the Commission outlines qualifications for instructors and certifies qualified instructors for approved training schools. Correctional officers who have satisfactorily completed training are certified by the Commission.
The Correctional Training Commission has fourteen members. Eight serve ex officio. With Senate advice and consent, the Governor appoints four correctional officers or officials for three-year terms. The Maryland Higher Education Commission appoints a president of a college or university in the State with a correctional training curriculum, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons names a representative. Chaired by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission appoints the Executive Director with the Secretary's approval (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 8-203 through 8-210).
PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION & TRAINING CENTER
Serving both State and local law enforcement and correctional agencies, the Public Safety Education and Training Center opened on November 30, 2004, within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Center provides drug abuse resistance education, and training for drivers, public safety officers, and entry-level police, as well as advanced and specialized training. In addition, the Center houses the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute, and the Executive Development Institute.
INMATE GRIEVANCE OFFICE
The Inmate Grievance Office originated in 1971 as the Inmate Grievance Commission, within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, to adjudicate inmate grievances and complaints (Chapter 210, Acts of 1971). The Commission reorganized as the Inmate Grievance Office in 1991 (Chapter 251, Acts of 1991). In March 2010, the Office moved under Programs and Services, and in May 2012 under the Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff.
Any person confined to an institution within the Division of Correction, or otherwise in the custody of the Commissioner of Correction, or confined to Patuxent Institution, may submit any grievance or complaint against any official or employee of the Division of Correction or Patuxent Institution to the Inmate Grievance Office. A grievance or complaint that merits further consideration is referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings.
With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services appoints the Executive Director (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-210).
OFFICE OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity started in 1989 as the Office of Minority Business Enterprise and Equal Opportunity under the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Office reorganized under its present name in July 2007 when the Minority Business Enterprise Program transferred to Capital Programs.
Equality of opportunity within the Department is established and maintained by the Office. In addition, the Office assures the Department's compliance with civil rights laws, mandates, and regulations, including the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, the Veterans' Rights Act, and the Ethics Law.
OFFICE OF GRANTS, POLICY, & STATISTICS
Under the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Office of Grants, Policy, and Statistics began in 1981 as the Division of Research and Statistics. In April 2003, that division merged with the Office of Policy, Planning, and Regulation to form the Office of Planning, Policy, Regulations, and Statistics. In March 2012, the Office assumed its present name
The Office develops data programming for producing statistical reports, and produces offender population projections for use in capital project planning and budgeting. In addition to data analysis and statistical research, the Office also provides leadership and technical expertise for regulation and policy development; coordinates strategic planning departmentwide; and is responsible for the Secretary's directives, and Departmental oversight and input for the Code of Maryland Regulations. Through planning, performance analysis, and reporting, the Office coordinates and oversees the Managing for Results and StateStat functions of the Department.
The Maryland Parole Commission started in 1914 as the Advisory Board of Parole (Chapter 500, Acts of 1914). In 1922, Board functions were assumed by the Parole Commissioner (Chapter 29, Acts of 1922). The Board of Parole and Probation succeeded the Parole Commissioner in 1939 (Chapter 406, Acts of 1939). In 1968, the Board of Parole and Probation reformed as the Board of Parole (Chapter 457, Acts of 1968). The Board became part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in July 1970. The Board was replaced by the Maryland Parole Commission in 1976 (Chapter 540, Acts of 1976).
Having served one-fourth of the term or consecutive terms in confinement, a prisoner is considered for parole if sentenced to a term of six months or more under jurisdiction of the Division of Correction, or any other place of confinement or detention for violators of State criminal laws. This includes local jails and detention centers.
The Commission has exclusive power to hear certain serious cases for parole release and to conduct hearings for revocation of parole. The Commission can issue warrants for the return to custody of alleged violators of parole, and can suspend or revoke parole upon a showing of its violation.
To hear certain cases for parole release, the Commission uses hearing examiners. Decisions of the examiners, if concurred with by the Commission on summary review, become final. A final decision of the examiner may be appealed to a panel of Commission members for review upon the record. The decision of the appeal panel is final.
The Commission may ask the Division of Parole and Probation, Division of Correction, or the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services to make investigations to help determine the advisability of granting parole. The Commission evaluates information from the Division of Parole and Probation on the behavior of parolees. In addition, the Commission directs the Division of Parole and Probation to conduct investigations from which recommendations are made to the Governor on pardons, commutations of sentences, and parole of persons sentenced to life imprisonment.
Tri-party contracts for the release on parole of an inmate at a predetermined future date, and upon the fulfillment of conditions specified in the contract may be negotiated and executed by the Commission. Signatories to such mutual agreements are the Maryland Parole Commission, the Commissioner of Correction, and the inmate.
The Commission's ten members are appointed to six-year terms by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services with the Governor's approval and Senate advice and consent. With the Governor's approval, the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services names the chair (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 7-201 through 7-208).
Administration oversees four divisions: Financial Services; Human Resources Services; Information Technology and Communications; and Procurement Services. Administration also is responsible for the Emergency Number Systems Board, the Sundry Claims Board, and two offices: Inspector General, and Property Management Services.
The Emergency Number Systems Board formed in 1979 (Chapter 730, Acts of 1979). The Board coordinates installation and enhancement of county 911 systems, which are emergency telephone number services. A "911 system" automatically connects a person dialing the digits 9-1-1 on a telephone to a public safety answering point from which police, fire, ambulance or other public safety services may be dispatched on a 24-hour basis. Since July 1, 1985, all counties and Baltimore City have had a "911 system" installed. Since 1996, all have had enhanced systems with address and phone number displays.
By July 1, 2004, the Board was required to develop an implementation schedule for the deployment of wireless enhanced 911 service.
For county 911 system plans, the Board issues planning guidelines. Further, it determines review procedures to approve or disapprove plans submitted by counties and requests for variations. The Board sets criteria for reimbursing counties from the original 911 Trust Fund and from ongoing funds, and provides for audit of Trust Fund accounts. All 911-related information and procedures are transmitted by the Board to the county executive and county council, or to the president of the board of county commissioners of each county and/or its designated 911 committee representative.
The Board's seventeen members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Governor names the chair (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 1-301 through 1-312).
SUNDRY CLAIMS BOARD
In 1961, the Sundry Claims Board was established (Chapter 440, Acts of 1961). The Board administers claims filed by any prisoner who has been injured on the job while working for compensation in the Division of Correction or Patuxent Institution.
Three ex officio members or their designees serve on the Board. The Governor names the chair and secretary (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 10-301 through 10-310).
The Information Technology and Communications Division originated as the Division of Data Services in 1970 within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Division received its present name in June 1997.
For the Department, the Division builds and manages an information technology infrastructure. Computer systems that collect, store, and disseminate criminal history record information are designed, programmed, and operated by the Division. The Division maintains secure application systems for sensitive data, such as the Sex Offender Registry Database, and the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System (MAFIS). It also provides management information services to the Department and other criminal justice agencies in Maryland.
The Division develops and manages components of the statewide Criminal Justice Information System. The Division oversees Administration; the Criminal Justice Information System; Development, Operations, and Technology; Enterprise Infrastructure Services; Law Enforcement and Criminal History Applications; Offender Management and Business Innovation; the Program Management Office; and Quality Assurance. The Division also maintains the Arrest Booking System, first implemented in 1995 at the Central Booking and Intake Center in Baltimore, and now also used at eight other sites, including Frederick, Harford, Howard and Montgomery counties.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM
The Criminal Justice Information System began in 1976 (Chapter 239, Acts of 1976). It is a statewide information system for the Maryland criminal justice community, including the courts; local, State and federal law enforcement agencies; local detention centers; State prisons; State's attorneys; and parole and probation officers. The System provides official records on persons arrested and convicted in Maryland. Through the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System, individuals are identified and linked to their criminal history records (Code Criminal Procedure Article, secs. 10-201 through 10-204).
The same law which mandated establishment of the Criminal Justice Information System also called for a central repository (Chapter 239, Acts of 1976). In 1977, the Criminal Records Central Repository was started. Also once known as the State Central Criminal Records Bureau, it became the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository in 1989.
The Repository receives and screens applications for criminal history background checks for criminal justice, employment and licensing purposes. As part of their employment process, government agencies alone request over 200,000 criminal history background checks per year. Private employers may petition for, and (if they meet certain criteria) may receive background checks on prospective employees. In Maryland, persons employed in licensed day-care settings and persons applying for a visa to enter a foreign country to adopt a child must have a criminal history record check.
Electronic and manual fingerprint images are received and processed by the Repository. When ordered by a court, the Repository also expunges criminal records (Code Criminal Procedure Article, secs. 10-207 through 10-229).
DEVELOPMENT, OPERATIONS, & TECHNOLOGY
Information processing services throughout the Department are the responsibility of Development, Operations, and Technology. The unit designs, implements, and maintains all Department information systems used for criminal justice and noncriminal justice purposes. It provides systems administration support, computer programming services, and user training to Department staff.
Data Center and Call Center Services first formed as the Public Safety Data Center in 1970. It reformed under its present name in July 2007.
For law enforcement and correctional agencies within Maryland, this office processes public safety and criminal justice information. It provides computer processing services to the Department of State Police, the Division of Correction, the Division of Parole and Probation, Patuxent Institution, and several federal and local criminal justice agencies. Data transmission between these agencies and the Motor Vehicle Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System also is provided by Data Center and Call Center Services.
ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES
Telecommunications oversees the purchase, installation, maintenance, and inventory control of telecommunications equipment and services within the Department.
In May 1987, the Office of Inspector General was authorized as the Division of Audits and Compliance, an independent unit within the Office of Secretary. The Division was established by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services in compliance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (SPPIA), which require every internal audit unit to have a written charter (Code Correctional Services Article, sec. 2-112). In 1993, the Division reorganized as the Office of Inspector General with units for audits, investigations, and management services.
Objective review of agency facilities, property, equipment, personnel, administration, and operations is ensured by the Office. To assist the Secretary in evaluating each unit's management, the Office conducts financial, performance, program and grant audits or inspections within the Department.
In practice, the Office achieves its purpose through ongoing audit, inspection, investigation, monitoring, and periodic reporting of all Department functions. On matters requiring corrective action, the Office reports to the Secretary, primarily through fiscal and management audit reports. These reports assess compliance of units with applicable laws, regulations, directives, procedures, and standards, and recommend corrective action for any deficiency.
The Office coordinates administration of the Department's fixed assets, motor vehicle fleet, property inventory, and commercially leased space.
Within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Capital Programs began as the Division of Support Services, became Property Services in March 2003, and reorganized under its present name in July 2007.
Capital Programs includes four offices: Capital Construction and Facilities Maintenance; Emergency Operations; Environmental Management; and Real Estate Management Services. Capital Programs also is responsible for the Minority Business Enterprise Program.
Units of the Office of Capital Construction and Facilities Maintenance began in 1990 under the Deputy Secretary as the Division of Capital Construction, and the Division of Facilities Maintenance. Both divisions combined in 1997 to form the present office.
Construction and related services for State correctional facilities are procured by the Office. It also maintains Department facilities, including those of Patuxent Institution, the Police and Correctional Training Commissions, and institutions of the Division of Correction.
Instituted in 1968, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board provides financial assistance to victims of crime (Chapter 455, Acts of 1968). The Board administers compensation for innocent persons suffering physical injury or death as a result of criminal acts or in their efforts to prevent crime or apprehend criminals.
The Board maintains an office and staff to investigate and hear claims for awards filed with the Board. Claims may be filed with the Board by an innocent crime victim; a surviving spouse or child of a homicide victim; a person dependent for support on a homicide victim; a victim or surviving family of an international terrorist attack; a victim or surviving family of a hit-and-run or drunk driver; a person killed or injured while trying to prevent a crime and their surviving family; a person killed or injured while giving aid to a law enforcement officer performing official duties; or a person who paid for or assumed responsibility for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim. Awards are made for medical expenses, disability, total and partial dependency, funeral expenses, counseling, and crime scene clean up.
The Board is funded through fees assessed on defendants in Circuit and District courts and funds received through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984.
Five members constitute the Board. They are appointed to five-year terms by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services with the Governor's approval and Senate advice and consent. With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary designates the chair. The Board appoints the Executive Director with the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Code Criminal Procedure Article, secs. 11-801 through 11-819).
Clinical Services monitors and oversees the health-care practitioners and providers who provide direct care to inmates.
With the Education and Workforce Training Coordinating Council for Correctional Institutions, educational programs are developed, implemented, and monitored in correctional institutions. Inmates may prepare for the General Education Development (GED) exam; work for a high school diploma; learn workforce and vocational skills; and also study life skills, such as parenting and anger management.
In 1997, Medical Administration started as the Office of Inmate Health Care, became the Office of Inmate Health Services in 1999, and Inmate Health Services in March 2003. It reorganized under its present name in March 2010 as part of Programs and Services. At that time, it became responsible for the administrative functions of inmate health services.
Medical Administration oversees Continuous Quality Improvement, Contract Compliance Audits, Health Care Administration, and Medical Services.
Authorized in 1951, Patuxent Institution opened in 1955 under administration by the Department of Correction (Chapter 476, Acts of 1951). The Institution became an autonomous agency under the control of the Board of Patuxent Institution in 1961 (Chapter 629, Acts of 1961). In 1970, the Institution was made part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Chapter 401, Acts of 1970). Patuxent's status has continued as an institution separate from the Division of Correction, and it has retained its own board. From March 2003 to March 2010, the Institution was placed under Treatment Services, and since March 2010 has been part of Programs and Services..
Originally, Patuxent Institution was created to provide psychotherapeutic treatment for men who demonstrated persistent antisocial and criminal behavior. These offenders, termed "defective delinquents" were involuntarily committed by the courts to Patuxent Institution for indeterminate sentences. On July 1, 1977, the Defective Delinquent Law along with indeterminate sentencing were abolished. Then years later, female offenders began to be treated at Patuxent, and, in 1990, the Patuxent Institution for Women opened on the grounds of Patuxent Institution.
Today, eligible male and female prisoners who are mentally disordered or physically impaired (including some chronic youthful offenders) are treated and rehabilitated at Patuxent Institution. The Institution offers medical, psychiatric, psychological and social casework services, as well as academic, vocational, recreational and religious services. Treatment also is provided for individuals on pre-parole and parole status.
The Commissioner of Correction may refer a prisoner to Patuxent Institution for evaluation when so recommended by the sentencing court, the State's Attorney of the jurisdiction in which the person was last sentenced, or the staff of the Division of Correction. The Commissioner also may refer prisoners in response to their applications. Each referred prisoner is transferred to the Institution and evaluated by a team consisting of at least three professional employees of the Institution, including at least one psychiatrist, one psychologist, and one social worker. The evaluation team assembles and reviews relevant information and examines the prisoner. The team then determines whether the individual is eligible and states its findings in a report to the Director. If not eligible, the prisoner is returned to the Division of Correction to continue his or her sentence. If eligible, the prisoner remains at Patuxent Institution for treatment.
Appointed by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Director administers the Institution. Of two Associate Directors, one must be a psychiatrist and one a behavioral scientist. They assist primarily in diagnosis and treatment. The Warden is in charge of custody. By law, the staff also must include at least three additional psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, and at least four trained social workers (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 4-101 through 4-401).
At least annually, the Board reviews the status of each inmate at Patuxent Institution. The Board may grant leave or parole and, if it determines that the individual is no longer eligible for the Institution's programs, it may order the individual transferred to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Correction. If a person has successfully completed three years probation without violation, the Board may petition the court to suspend or vacate the remaining sentence.
Patuxent Institution is the only Maryland State prison to have its own conditional release authority. The Board of Review is that authority. Inmates in either the Eligible Person Program or the Youth Program are subject to jurisdiction of the Board of Review, not of the Maryland Parole Commission.
The Board's nine members include the Director, the Warden, and two Associate Directors of Patuxent Institution. With Senate advice and consent, the Governor appoints five members to serve four-year terms. The Governor names the chair (Code Correctional Services Article, sec. 4-205).
To provide for continuation of treatment, the Patuxent Institution operates the Community Treatment Re-Entry Facility, a halfway house in metropolitan Baltimore. Here, clinic staff offer psychotherapy, job and family counseling, and social casework services for work-release inmates. The Facility also houses an After Care Center for the Correctional Options Program, with clinical guidance through Patuxent Institution.
The Division of Correction administers State correctional facilities. The Division is responsible for Maryland Correctional Enterprises; the Maryland Reception, Diagnostic, and Classification Center; the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System; and ten State prisons:
For the U.S. Marshals Service, the Division of Corrections staffs and manages the Chesapeake Detention Facility, formerly the Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center, in Baltimore.
Annually, the Division of Correction houses up to 25,000 inmates, an average daily population of 20,891 in FY2010. Of approximately 15,000 inmates released from custody every year, about 49 percent are re-committed within three years.
The Division of Correction dates to the nineteenth century when the first State prisons - the Maryland Penitentiary and the Maryland House of Correction - were erected. Prior to 1916, the two prisons were autonomous. Each operated under the jurisdiction of either a board of directors or a board of managers appointed by the Governor. In 1916, these institutions were placed under the State Board of Prison Control (Chapter 556, Acts of 1916). To administer the prisons, the Board of Welfare superseded the State Board of Prison Control in 1922 (Chapter 29, Acts of 1922). In 1939, the Department of Correction and the Board of Correction replaced the Board of Welfare (Chapter 69, Acts of 1939).
The Superintendent of Prisons became administrator of the Department of Correction in 1953 (Chapter 758, Acts of 1953). Policies and appointments for institutions under Department jurisdiction were made by the Board of Correction upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Prisons. In 1962, the Advisory Board of Corrections replaced the Board of Correction, and the Superintendent of Prisons was succeeded by the Commissioner of Correction (Chapter 123, Acts of 1962). The Department of Correction was renamed the Department of Correctional Services in 1968 (Chapter 137, Acts of 1968).
State correctional responsibilities were assigned to the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1970 (Chapter 401, Acts of 1970). At that time, the Department of Correctional Services reorganized as the Division of Correction within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
The Commissioner of Correction is appointed by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services with the approval of the Governor and Senate advice and consent (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 3-202 through 3-207). Under the Office of the Commissioner are: Administrative Services and Professional Development; Programs and Services; Regional Operations - Baltimore Region; Regional Operations - East; and Regional Operations - West. The Office of the Commissioner also oversees units for policy, procedures, and audits; public information; and victim services.
VICTIM SERVICES
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Food Services originated from the Office of Property Management Services, initiated in 1993, and from Food Services formerly administered by the Division of Correction. They merged in 1997 to form the Office of Food and Property Services, separated in 1999, and became the Office of Food Services and the Office of Property Management Services again. In 2003, the Office of Food Services transferred back to the Division of Correction from the Office of Food and Property Services under the Assistant Secretary for Property Services.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Under Division jurisdiction, correctional institutions classify inmates to determine how they should be confined and supervised. Once the security level of confinement has been determined, the specific conditions of confinement are evaluated for an inmate and, where appropriate, programs are offered in education, vocational training, employment, substance abuse counseling, and psychological and psychiatric intervention and security.
Prisons provide education, including elementary and secondary school instruction, advanced and specialized study, and vocational and on-the-job training. The instruction in pre-release units prepares inmates to obtain high school equivalency certificates. Prisons and pre-release units also offer programs for inmates to develop or relearn occupational skills. Inmates are assigned to a variety of maintenance tasks, as well as to the diversified State Use Industries Program. These programs provide goods and services needed by certain public agencies. For example, several prisons operate their own laundries which also serve other State facilities.
Work Release Program. Established in 1963, this program permits certain prisoners to leave confinement for work at gainful employment in the community (Chapter 285, Acts of 1963). They return to the institution at the end of the work day. In 1968, this privilege was extended for attending school (Chapter 551, Acts of 1968). Under certain conditions, the Commissioner of Correction may authorize special leave for prisoners to seek employment or participate in special community rehabilitation programs. Weekend leaves also may be granted under certain conditions (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 3-801 through 3-811).
Programs and Services directs Inmate Hearings, Security Operations, and five units: Case Management; Commitment; Intake, Housing, and Transportation; Religious and Volunteer Services; and Transition Services.
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - BALTIMORE REGION
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - EAST
REGIONAL OPERATIONS - WEST
Maryland Correctional Enterprises was established as State Use Industries under the Board of Correction in 1937 (Chapter 213, Acts of 1937). In 1970, the program was placed within the Division of Correction, and in 2005 renamed Maryland Correctional Enterprises (Chapter 124, Acts of 2005).
The program was designed to provide essential work and training for prisoners and to produce needed goods for State government with inmate labor. Inmates learn marketable job skills which improve their employability and reduce recidivism. In FY2011, Maryland Correctional Enterprises employed 1,855 inmates for over 2.83 million hours of training.
At a cost that does not exceed the prevailing average market price, Maryland Correctional Enterprises supplies services and produces goods. These are used by municipal, county, State and federal institutions or agencies and those of other states. They also are available to any charitable, civic, educational, fraternal or religious association, institution, or agency for its own use and not for resale to others within one year of purchase (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 3-501 through 3-528).
Services supplied by Maryland Correctional Enterprises encompass construction, data entry, furniture restoration, mailing and distribution, moving, warehousing, and news clipping. Goods produced include a large selection of office furniture in traditional or contemporary wood; modular furniture; metal products, such as benches, carts, and shelving units; mattresses and pillows; and graphics, tags, and signs. Inmates also may be employed in meat cutting, laundry services, and agriculture. More recently, inmates have worked on green initiatives, such as growing and planting Bay grasses; building oyster cages for oyster recovery projects; and restoring and maintaining the apple orchards at Antietam National Battlefield. For the State's newest toll road, the InterCounty Connector, inmates installed gates, cleared off invasive plants, and planted more than 50,000 trees. In 2012, inmates will plant another 36,000 trees for the Connector.
The Chief Executive Officer of Maryland Correctional Enterprises is assisted by two assistant general managers, one for Administration, and one for Operations. The agency is aided by the Maryland Correctional Enterprises Management Council.
To implement Maryland Correctional Enterprises programs, the Council recommends the establishment and maintenance of industrial plants and service centers within the Division of Correction. Operated primarily with inmates, sites are run in a manner that benefits the State and provides training for inmates.
The Committee has fifteen members. Eight are appointed by the Governor (five of them to three-year terms); one is chosen by the Senate President; and one by the House Speaker. Two serve ex officio (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 3-517 through 3-523).
Consisting of eleven members, the Council includes eight representatives of government agencies, and three members appointed by the Governor. The Council is chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of Maryland Correctional Enterprises (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 3-524 through 3-528).
In 1989, the Chesapeake Detention Facility originated as the Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center opened under jurisdiction of the Maryland Penitentiary. In October 1997, the Center was made an independent unit under the Division of Correction. On April 4, 2012, the Center was renamed the Chesapeake Detention Facility under the U.S. Marshals Service.
Formerly, the Center was a maximum-security prison for adult male offenders with adjustment problems. Located across the street from the Maryland Penitentiary, it functioned as a satellite of the Penitentiary, housing the most violent criminals. Known as Supermax, the Center had an operating capacity for 511, one prisoner to a cell. Its inmates included federal prisoners, and those who have received the death penalty.
In September 2010, the Department and the U.S. Marshals Service entered into an agreement whereby the Center continues to be staffed and maintained by the Department, but houses only federal prisoners awaiting trial.
The Maryland Reception, Diagnostic and Classification Center began in June 1967 as a reception center in the south wing of the Maryland Penitentiary (Chapter 695, Acts of 1967). At its present location, the Center opened in October 1981.
Here, male inmates diagnostically are evaluated, classified, and assigned to an institution of the Division of Correction. In FY2008, the Center processed and evaluated 10,108 inmates. A multi-level security facility, the seven-story Center has an estimated operating capacity of 808 inmates.
For nearly two centuries, the Penitentiary's physical plant evolved to meet changing needs and penal philosophy. The original administration building and western dormitory were joined by a 5-tier eastern dormitory in 1829. To incorporate the Auburn system of discipline (work together in silence by day, confined in individual cells at night), three wings connected by corridors to a central octagonal pavilion were completed in 1836. A flurry of building (mostly of dormitories) from 1870 to 1878 alleviated overcrowding.
Metropolitan Transition Center (formerly Maryland Penitentiary), view from Eager St., Baltimore, Maryland, January 2000. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
A maximum-security section to confine prisoners under sentence of death and an execution chamber were included in the 1956 building. Since 1923, executions have taken place at the Penitentiary (Chapter 465, Acts of 1922). From 1923 to 1955, seventy-five men were executed by hanging in the old gallows chamber. From 1957 to 1962, four men died in the new gas chamber. Executions ceased in Maryland from June 1961 to May 1994. By statute, in 1994, the method of execution was changed from lethal gas to lethal injection (Chapter 5, Acts of 1994). In 2013, Maryland abolished the death penalty (sb 276, Acts of 2013).
In February 1998, the Penitentiary reorganized as the Metropolitan Transition Center. The Center incarcerates short-term offenders where previously it had held those long-term prisoners requiring maximum security. Effective July 1, 2001, the Baltimore City Correctional Center, Baltimore Pre-Release Unit, and the Central Home Detention Unit transferred from the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System to the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Transition Center. In 2008, the Central Home Detention Unit moved to Community Surveillance and Enforcement in the Division of Parole and Probation.
With a capacity for 500 inmates, the Baltimore City Correctional Center opened in July 1984 as part of the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System. On July 1, 2001, the Center transferred from the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System to the Maryland Transition Center.
The Center houses male prisoners who require minimum security.
Following recommendations in the Action Agenda Plan for Maryland State Prisons, the Occupational Skills Training Center opened in February 1993. The Center provides reintegration services to Baltimore area prisoners to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for productive and law-abiding lives. Services include skill training, employment-readiness training, and job placement. The Center is a partnership of the Division of Correction, Department of Business and Economic Development, State Department of Education, and Baltimore City Community College. Area colleges also participate.
The Center delivers employer-approved training and supportive services to inmates. Seven vocational areas are targeted: automotive services; graphic arts; health; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning; home improvement; office work; and warehousing and distribution. The Center is developing public-private partnerships with industry.
BALTIMORE PRE-RELEASE UNIT
Opened in April 1981, the Baltimore Pre-Release Unit was created from the merger of the Community Vocational Rehabilitation Center and the Greenmount Avenue Pre-Release Unit. On July 1, 2001, the Unit transferred from the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System to the Maryland Transition Center.
The Baltimore Pre-Release Unit prepares inmates to return to the community. Unit programs and services emphasize job readiness training, work crews, work experience, and work release. The Unit houses up to 201 inmates.
The Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown is a medium-security prison for men in Washington County. Authorized in 1931 as the Maryland State Penal Farm (Chapter 366, Acts of 1931), it opened, after funding delays, in 1942. In 1945, the Penal Farm was replaced by the Maryland State Reformatory for Males (Chapter 519, Acts of 1945). The Reformatory was renamed Maryland Institution for Men in 1962, and Maryland Correctional Institution in 1964.
Additional housing has been added to the prison which has an inmate capacity of 2,179. The Western Program Development Center opened as an emergency housing unit of 420 beds in 1983.
The Maryland Correctional Training Center, a medium-security institution, was authorized in 1966 (Chapter 385, Acts of 1966). The Center offers educational and vocational training to male inmates. Prisoners who are not amenable to rehabilitation remain in or are transferred to the Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown.
On the grounds of the Maryland Correctional Training Center, a work release center occupies a separate building. The work release center has a rated capacity of 75 beds and houses those inmates on the Work Release Program and several inmates who are part of the institutional cadre. Another minimum security unit, opened in 1977, has a rated capacity of 128 beds.
In Washington County, the Roxbury Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison for men with capacity for 1,771 inmates. It opened in 1980 as the Roxbury Emergency Housing Unit with a 128-bed capacity at the Maryland Correctional Institution-Hagerstown. As a separate facility, the Roxbury Correctional Institution opened in December 1983.
In Spring 2001, construction began on the first housing unit of a new maximum security prison at Cumberland. That first unit opened as a medium security housing unit for Western Correctional Institution in January 2003. The Gatehouse, Support Services Building, and the sewage pumping station were completed in 2005, while construction continued on Housing Unit 2. In March 2008, North Branch Correctional Institution officially opened as a maximum security institution with an operating capacity of 675 inmates.
As a medium-security prison in Allegany County, Western Correctional Institution opened July 13, 1996. It was reauthorized as a maximum-security prison in July 2007. The Institution is designed to house 1,793 inmates with some 503 staff. Based on prototypes of the facilities at the Maryland House of Correction Annex in Jessup, housing consists of a 144-cell unit and three 192-cell units. Two of these units, along with support services, basic site work, utilities, and perimeter security were completed in 1996. The facility opened with the capacity to house 768 inmates. The remaining housing units were completed in 1997.
The Institution's central services - administration, maintenance, laundry, and warehouse - are set apart from inmate housing areas. Food is shipped from the Hagerstown central kitchen several times per week, with final preparations in the Institution's finishing kitchen. The perimeter security fence is maximum security.
Opened in October 1991 as the Maryland House of Correction Annex, the Jessup Correctional Institution is a maximum-security facility, adjacent to the Maryland House of Correction. Formerly part of the Maryland House of Correction, it became a separate institution in February 1999, the Maryland House of Correction Annex. The Institution assumed its current name in July 2006.
The Institution consists of five housing units, each holding 192 cells. Designed for double bunks, these units include the statewide protective custody unit. The Institution also holds a segregation housing unit of 144 cells where inmates are isolated from the general prison population either as punishment, or voluntarily for their own protection. A support services building houses the dining room, education and vocational training, and medical services. With an inmate capacity of 1,800, the Institution is transitioning to medium security.
The Maryland Correctional Institution at Jessup opened in 1981 as an annex to the Maryland House of Correction. Now a separate facility, the Institution is a medium-security prison with an operating capacity of 1,068 adult male inmates serving sentences of three months or longer.
In the nineteenth century, women prisoners first were housed in quarters reserved for them at the Maryland Penitentiary. The Maryland House of Correction, opened in 1879, also was built with separate quarters for women. Although advocated by the Maryland Penitentiary Penal Commission in 1913, not until 1939 did the State construct a separate prison for women.
On land adjacent to the House of Correction, a separate prison for women was authorized in 1937 (Chapter 487, Acts of 1937). A grant from the federal Works Progress Administration augmented State funds and construction began in 1939. What is now the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women - Jessup received its first prisoners on October 1, 1940, and formally was established in 1941 as the Women's Prison of the State of Maryland (Chapter 71, Acts of 1941). The Prison was renamed Maryland State Reformatory for Women in 1945 (Chapter 520, Acts of 1945). In 1962, it became the Maryland Institution for Women and adopted its present name in 1964.
The Institution houses up to 915 female inmates with minimum, medium or maximum security.
The Reception-Diagnostic Classification Center at the Institution receives all adult women who have been convicted of felonies and misdemeanors and sentenced to the jurisdiction of the State for terms of six months to life. After classification at the Center, women inmates are transferred to a prison to complete their sentences.
Located in central Somerset County, the Eastern Correctional Institution opened in 1987. The Institution is a medium-security prison for men built as two identical compounds (East and West) on a 620-acre tract. It has a pre-release unit, a minimum security annex for 610 inmates, and an operating capacity of 2,665 medium security inmates.
MINIMUM SECURITY COMPOUND
In September 1993, the Minimum Security Compound opened as the Eastern Correctional Institution Annex. It is a 610-bed minimum-security facility under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Correctional Institution. The Compound consists of three housing units, one support building, and an outside recreation area. It is outside the secure perimeter of the Eastern Correctional Institution compound. In July 2006, a new 140-bed housing unit opened, with space for inmate programs relating to addictions, career development, parenting, and domestic violence.
POPLAR HILL PRE-RELEASE UNIT
Poplar Hill Pre-Release Unit was created in 1950. Formerly under the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System, the Poplar Hill Pre-Release Unit became part of Eastern Correctional Institution in November 1997. The Unit is 180-bed facility located on 40 acres in Wicomico County, about 25 miles from Eastern Correctional Institution.
Originally, the Unit provided inmate labor to the highway departments of Wicomico, Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties. Now, inmates at Poplar Hill provide public services through contracts with the State Highway Administration, Deer's Head Center, the Department of Natural Resources, and local governments.
In a renovated farm house on the premises, educational and employment readiness programs are conducted. Vocational programming is available through contract with the Somerset County Board of Education. Pre-release programming includes work release and family leave.
The Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System operates units that provide work and other rehabilitation for prisoners. System facilities mainly house inmates in the Work Release Program (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 3-801 through 3-807). Before assignment to a pre-release unit, prisoners are screened carefully at the Maryland Reception, Diagnostic, and Classification Center or at the institutions to which they are assigned. When possible, inmates are assigned to the pre-release unit nearest their home.
Minimum-security pre-release units originated in 1955 as public works camps (Chapter 266, Acts of 1955). These camps were designed to provide road or forestry work for prisoners outside penal institutions. The intent was to place more individuals outside of crowded institutions where they could work on public works projects that would benefit the State. By 1963, under the Work Release Law, the public works camps were renamed correctional camps (Code 1957, Art. 27, sec. 689(f); repealed by Chapter 412, Acts of 1997). The camps gave prisoners the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves by using occupational skills or acquiring new ones in preparation for their eventual release. In 1972, the camps were reorganized as community correctional centers (Chapter 464, Acts of 1972). Four years later, they reformed as community adult rehabilitation centers (Chapter 234, Acts of 1976; Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 11-301 through 11-320). The centers transferred to the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System in July 1978, and were renamed pre-release units in September 1978.
Within the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System are Brockbridge Correctional Facility (a medium-security institution), and a minimum-security unit: Jessup Pre-Release Unit. The System also is responsible for three pre-release units: Central Maryland Correctional Facility, Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit, and Eastern Pre-Release Unit.
Other pre-release units operate under the jurisdiction of the nearest correctional institution, in order to share resources. These include the Baltimore Pre-Release Unit, Harold E. Donnell Pre-Release Unit, and Poplar Hill Pre-Release Unit.
The Brockbridge Correctional Facility originated as Sandy Point Correctional Camp. In 1966, the Camp relocated to Jessup as the Maryland Correctional Camp Center (Chapter 385, Acts of 1966). Renamed Brockbridge Correctional Facility, the Center was converted to a medium-security facility in 1979, and designated a minimum-security center in 1988.
The Facility serves as the reception center for the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System. Inmates are housed here pending transfer to other units.
JESSUP PRE-RELEASE UNIT
After the former Jessup Pre-Release Unit reorganized as the Herman L. Toulson Correctional Boot Camp in August 1990, a new Jessup Pre-Release Unit opened in September 1990. Under both minimum- and pre-release-security, the Unit offers education, job-readiness training, and work release. Inmates provide labor for Spring Grove Hospital Center, the State Police Barracks at Waterloo, the Maryland State Agency for Surplus Property, and State Highway Administration road crews.
Designed for 420 male inmates, the Unit underwent construction in 1992 which increased capacity to 560 inmates.
As the Central Laundry Facility, the Central Maryland Correctional Facility formed in 1960 to serve the laundry needs of institutions under what is now the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In July 2009, it adopted its present name.
Located at Springfield Hospital Center, the Facility also takes care of laundry for institutions of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The Unit is a minimum-security institution with a residential substance-abuse treatment program.
Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit was dedicated in 1962. Approximately one-fourth of the men assigned to the unit are employed in the community through a work-release program. Other inmates labor in work details for the Natural Resources Police Force, the State Police Barracks at Waldorf and Prince Frederick, the Charles County Department of Public Works, the State Highway Administration, and the Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Cheltenham. The Unit can house 180 male inmates.
Eastern Pre-Release Unit opened in 1964 in Queen Anne's County. From this Unit, inmates are assigned to work projects of the State Highway Administration and the State Police Barracks in Centreville and Annapolis, and to work details at the State House and Government House in Annapolis.
The Unit houses up to 180 male inmates in open-style dormitories. Educational, vocational, employment and release readiness programs are available to the prisoners as are recreational, religious and addictions programs.
Functions of the Division of Parole and Probation date to 1914 when the Advisory Board of Parole was created to investigate applications for pardon and parole and report its findings to the Governor (Chapter 500, Acts of 1914). The Board was replaced by the Parole Commissioner in 1922 (Chapter 29, Acts of 1922). Duties of the Parole Commissioner were reorganized under the Division of Parole and Probation formed in 1939 to administer State parole and probation laws (Chapter 406, Acts of 1939). In 1953, the Division was renamed the Department of Parole and Probation (Chapter 653, Acts of 1953). The Department in 1968 separated from the Board of Parole (later the Maryland Parole Commission) (Chapter 457, Acts of 1968). In 1970, the Department reorganized as the Division of Parole and Probation within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Chapter 401, Acts of 1970).
The conduct of parolees and adult probationers is supervised by the Division, which conducts investigations for the Maryland Parole Commission, the courts, and the Governor.
Supervision. Supervision and services are provided to offenders based upon the risk of their continued criminal activity. For parolees, probationers, and offenders for whom supervision is mandatory, the Division offers counseling, social casework, and diagnosis of substance abuse and other problems. Citizen volunteers help counsel parolees and probationers to lead law-abiding lives. The Division also regularly informs the Maryland Parole Commission of parolees' activities and notifies the District or Circuit Courts of probationers' activities. At its discretion, the Division recommends that the Commission issue arrest warrants for parole violators. To apprehend probationers charged with violating conditions of their probation, warrants also are requested from the courts.
Investigations. Division investigations help the Maryland Parole Commission determine whether to grant parole. When requested, the Division also conducts investigations for the courts of Maryland, and when the sentencing of a defendant convicted of felony in a Circuit Court may result in the defendant being remanded to the jurisdiction of the Division of Correction or Patuxent Institution. At the direction of the Court of Special Appeals, the Division investigates, reports, and makes recommendations regarding applications for review of criminal sentences. Where a felony offense caused physical, psychological or economic injury, the Division prepares a victim impact statement as part of the presentence investigation. A victim impact statement also is prepared when a misdemeanor offense has caused serious physical injury or death.
At the request of the Governor or the Governor's designee, the Division investigates and reports on persons applying for pardon, commutation of sentence, or clemency. In addition, the Division investigates the home and employment proposals of parolees and probationers from other states wanting to live in Maryland under the Uniform Out-of-State Parolee Supervision Act.
The Director of Parole and Probation is appointed by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services with the approval of the Governor and Senate advice and consent. The Director serves at the pleasure of the Secretary (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 6-101 through 6-205).
Four offices carry out the work of the Division: Administrative Services, Field Operations, Program Services, and Special Programs.
COMMUNITY SURVEILLANCE & ENFORCEMENT
For nonviolent offenders, this unit provides the courts with a sentencing alternative to incarceration, such as home detention, drug court, day reporting, boot camps, intensive parole supervision, a regimented offender treatment center, or a re-entry aftercare facility. Nonviolent offenders may be assigned to perform unpaid labor in their community at approved worksites, such as government agencies and charitable and nonprofit organizations. Community service can be ordered as a pretrial diversionary sanction, or a post-trial sentencing alternative.
Community Surveillance and Enforcement oversees five units: Case Monitoring; Central Home Detention; Interstate Compact; Liaison Agent Waiver; and Warrant Apprehension. It also is responsible for the Drinking-Driver Monitoring Program, and the Violence Prevention Initiative.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION INITIATIVE
CASE MONITORING UNIT
Once an inmate is available to serve parole or to be placed on probation, the Unit alerts the field office to supervise the parolee or probationer. The Unit also monitors inactive cases, where the serving of parole or probation is delayed for reasons, such as incarceration for a previous crime.
CENTRAL HOME DETENTION UNIT
In 1990, the General Assembly authorized the Home Detention Program (Chapter 414, Acts of 1990).
Started in January 1991, the Program allows carefully selected inmates to serve the last part of their sentences in the community. These may include parolees and persons awaiting trial who are eligible for home detention.
Inmates are monitored by an electronic anklet, periodic telephone voice-verification, and random visits by correctional staff. To enforce inmate compliance and provide rehabilitation services, the Unit operates 24 hours a day, seven days per week. The Program began with 40 inmates in Fiscal Year 1991 and, as of January 2001, has served over 21,000 inmates.
INTERSTATE COMPACT UNIT
The Unit coordinates activities resulting from the Interstate Compact for Supervision of Parolees and Probationers. The Compact is an agreement among the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Its primary purpose is to provide a systematic way for transferring eligible parolees and probationers from one jurisdiction to another, usually for rehabilitation. At the same time, public safety must be maintained and the instructions of the sentencing court ensured. Each receiving state visits and supervises probationers and parolees of the sending state and is governed in those duties by the same standards that prevail for its own probationers and parolees. Eligible offenders usually have family or responsible friends residing in the receiving state. Before granting permission to transfer parolees and probationers, the receiving state is given an opportunity to investigate the offender's intended residence and prospective employment.
WARRANT APPREHENSION UNIT
The Unit executes warrants to retake offenders and to arrest persons who violate the conditions of probation. Also, the Unit obtains and executes search warrants.
REGIONAL OFFICES OF CRIMINAL SUPERVISION
Four regional offices administer the supervision of probationers and parolees by agents assigned to some forty field offices.
OFFENDER SERVICES & LABORATORY SERVICES
VICTIM SERVICES
This unit serves victims of offenders who are being supervised in the community. Its services may include financial assistance; providing current information on the whereabouts of an offender; and aid in dealing with the courts and criminal justice system.
The Division of Pretrial Detention and Services was established within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1991 (Chapter 59, Acts of 1991). For those arrested and awaiting trial in criminal proceedings before the District Court or the Circuit Court of Baltimore, the Division administers the Baltimore City Detention Center, and the Central Booking and Intake Center. The Division also oversees Pretrial Release Services for Baltimore.
In 1991, when the Division was formed, the State assumed responsibility for the Baltimore City Jail and renamed it as the Baltimore City Detention Center. Maryland is the only state which has administrative control over a large local detention center.
Appointed by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services with the Governor's approval, the Commissioner of Pretrial Detention and Services heads the Division (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-302).
The Baltimore City Detention Center originated in the eighteenth century as the Baltimore City Jail. In 1802, it was replaced by a new jail on Mill Street on the east side of Jones Falls. An annex for women inmates was constructed in 1823. The jail structure served until 1860 when a new building opened at Madison Street and Jones Falls. Over the years, the building expanded. In 1960, connective north and south wings were constructed; in 1971, a separate jail for women was built.
By 1991, Baltimore City Jail consisted of seven buildings. Five were maximum- and medium-security structures: the Men's Detention Center; Women's Detention Center; Jail Industries Building; Wyatt Building; and the Annex Building. Minimum-security persons were housed in two satellite facilities: O'Brien House, and the Resident Labor Facility. In July 1991, the State took over administration of the Baltimore City Jail and renamed it the Baltimore City Detention Center under the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services (Chapter 59, Acts of 1991).
The Baltimore City Detention Center is one of the largest municipal jails in the nation. Over 40,000 inmates are committed to the Center annually. The daily number of inmates averages over 3,000. The Center is a pretrial detention facility for any person committed or transferred to the custody of the Commissioner of Pretrial Detention and Services. As authorized by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Center also may house any person held in custody by any agency of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
The Warden is appointed by the Commissioner of Pretrial Detention and Services with the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 5-401 through 5-406).
The Central Booking and Intake Center was first the Central Booking and Intake Facility which opened in July 1995 in Baltimore. All adults arrested in Baltimore are processed (booked) at the Center. Previously, suspects were booked at district police stations. The Center includes Pretrial Release Services; the District Court Commissioners for Baltimore; the Office of State's Attorney for Baltimore; and Baltimore City Police Services (Code Correctional Services Article, sec. 5-404).
Designed to become a statewide criminal justice information network, the Automated Booking System is used by the Center. Currently, six counties and the Center are part of the System. With uniform data entries, the System quickly identifies a detainee, and any previous criminal history or outstanding arrest warrants.
The booking process begins with a bar-coded bracelet assigned to the detainee for tracking purposes. Then, the detainee's personal, descriptive and demographic information is entered into the System. Biometric identification is done by laser-scan digitized fingerprinting and digitized video photos, which can be transmitted electronically for quick comparison.
As the booking process continues, the arresting officer enters data into the System about the arrest and charges. This report goes to an on-site District Court Commissioner who conducts an initial hearing to determine probable cause, set bail, and assign a trial date. After identification, the detainee is interviewed by a pretrial investigator. Booking then is completed. With new technology, the process is expected to take under four hours.
After booking, the detainee either is released on recognizance, posts bail, or is assigned to the Center. For intake, the detainee is issued a new bar code with a Maryland identification number and photograph, and undergoes a video bail review by a judge, eliminating the need to transport suspects to District Court. The efficiency of the process is intended to reduce the number of people jailed before trial and save the costs of housing defendants.
Formerly under the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, the Pretrial Release Services Division became a unit of the Division of Parole and Probation in 1985 (Chapter 725, Acts of 1985). In 1988, the Pretrial Release Services Division was established as a separate division within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Chapter 474, Acts of 1988). The Division reorganized as a program within the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services in 1991 (Chapter 59, Acts of 1991).
Pretrial Release Services investigates all defendants awaiting trial in criminal proceedings before the Baltimore City Circuit Court and the District Court of Maryland for Baltimore. The Program then provides the courts with verified information regarding the defendant's ties to the community and special problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction, or residential placement needs. The Program also makes recommendations to the courts regarding pretrial release or detention of defendants awaiting trial.
Of over 50,000 defendants screened annually, the Program supervises and monitors approximately 19,000 defendants for whom the court orders pretrial release. Urine testing surveillance is used for some of these defendants. At trial or in subsequent proceedings, the Program reports to the court on the defendant's compliance with the terms of pretrial release. These compliance reports are used for sentencing decisions and, in some instances, plea bargaining negotiations.
To minimize unnecessary incarceration, the Program develops alternative sanction plans under court supervision, and arbitrates or mediates disputes when requested by the court. Under scrutiny of the courts, the State's Attorney, and the Public Defender or private counsel, the Program presents and defends alternatives to prosecution.
In addition, the Program reviews the status of defendants in pretrial detention in the Baltimore City Detention Center. To reduce overcrowding, the Program recommends options to the court, such as scheduling early trials; monitors writs, detainers, and violations of court orders; and further investigates the feasibility of recognizance or reduced bail for some defendants.
The Director and Deputy Director are appointed by the Commissioner of Pretrial Detention and Services with the approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 5-301 through 5-302).
? Copyright Maryland State Archives
Within the Office of Secretary, the Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff oversees the Inmate Grievance Office, the Commission on Correctional Standards, the Handgun Permit Review Board, and the Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
COMMISSION ON CORRECTIONAL STANDARDS
115 Sudbrook Lane, Suite 200, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3878
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
c/o Public Safety Education & Training Center, 6852 Fourth St., Sykesville, MD 21784
POLICE TRAINING COMMISSION
Created in 1966, the Police Training Commission operates approved police training schools (Chapter 286, Acts of 1966). Subject to the authority of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission also prescribes standards for and certifies schools that offer police and security training. It may revoke a school's certification for cause.
Authorized in 1971, the Correctional Training Commission operates approved correctional training schools (Chapter 213, Acts of 1971). Subject to the authority of the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission also prescribes standards for and certifies all schools that offer training courses in corrections, parole, and probation. It may revoke a school's certification for cause.
6852 Fourth St., Sykesville, MD 21784
115 Sudbrook Lane, Suite 200, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3878
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 311B, Baltimore, MD 21215
Hampton Plaza, 300 East Joppa Road, Suite 1000, Towson, MD 21286 - 3020
MARYLAND PAROLE COMMISSION
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 307, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
ADMINISTRATION
Hampton Plaza, 300 East Joppa Road, Suite 1000, Towson, MD 21286 - 3020
EMERGENCY NUMBER SYSTEMS BOARD
115 Sudbrook Lane, Suite 201, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3878
115 Sudbrook Lane, Suite 200, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3878
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 209, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM CENTRAL REPOSITORY
1201 Reisterstown Road, Building G, Pikesville, MD 21208
Development, Operations, and Technology started in Fiscal Year 1987 as Management Information Systems. It became Systems Applications in 1997, and reorganized in 2004 as Application Services. The unit reformed under its present name in July 2007.
DATA CENTER & CALL CENTER SERVICES
1201 Reisterstown Road, Building G, Pikesville, MD 21208
Formerly Network and Telecommunication Services, Enterprise Infrastructure Services is responsible for voice, video and data transmission services. It implements network disaster recovery procedures, and plans and tests hardware and software support of total infrastructure.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 311B, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
OFFICE OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Created in 1993, the Office of Property Management Services became the Office of Food and Property Services in 1997, and reverted to its original name in 1999. Its food service component transferred to the Division of Correction in 2003. In July 2007, the Office transferred from Property Services to Administration.
CAPITAL PROGRAMS
Hampton Plaza, 300 East Joppa Road, Suite 1000, Towson, MD 21286 - 3020
OFFICE OF CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION & FACILITIES MAINTENANCE
Capital Construction, 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 201, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
Facilities Maintenance, 7695 Old Jessup Road, Jessup, MD 20794
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
In May 2003, the Office of Emergency Operations began as the Office of Emergency and Risk Management Operations formed within the Office of Secretary. In July 2007, it reorganized under its present name, and in March 2008 transferred to Capital Programs.
OPERATIONS
Operations originated within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services as Treatment Services, which was created in March 2003 to oversee Inmate Health Services; Mental Health Services; Social Services; Substance Abuse Treatment Services; and the Patuxent Institution. In March 2008, it also became responsible for Inmate Education, Integrated Program Services, and the Criminal Injuries Compansation Board. Treatment Services reorganized as Programs and Services in March 2010 under a deputy secretary, and oversight of the Inmate Grievance Office was added to its responsibilities. It later reformed as Operations.
CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 312, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
CLINICAL SERVICES
In March 2010, Clinical Services separated from Inmate Health Services, and was placed under Programs and Services.
INMATE EDUCATION
In July 2009, responsibility for correctional education transferred from the State Department of Education to the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (Chapter 134, Acts of 2008). Inmate Education and its educational liaison from the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services work with the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to establish common educational goals and priorities, and ensure that inmates have access to the appropriate program that meets their individual educational needs.
MEDICAL ADMINISTRATION
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 309, Baltimore, MD 21215
PATUXENT INSTITUTION
P. O. Box 700, Waterloo Road, Jessup, MD 20794 - 0700
CITIZENS' ADVISORY BOARD
The Citizens' Advisory Board for Patuxent Institution organized in 1989 (Chapter 6, Acts of 1989). The Board advises the Director of Patuxent Institution and the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services on the operation and programs of Patuxent Institution (Code Correctional Services Article, sec. 4-207).BOARD OF REVIEW
The Board of Review was created as the Institutional Board of Review for Patuxent Institution in 1951 (Chapter 476, Acts of 1951). The Board reorganized as the Board of Review in 1989 (Chapter 6, Acts of 1989).
COMMUNITY TREATMENT RE-ENTRY FACILITY
319 West Monument St., Baltimore, MD 21201
CORRECTIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CENTER - JESSUP
In Fiscal Year 1992, the Correctional Mental Health Center - Jessup was established within Patuxent Institution.
PATUXENT INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN
In 1990, the Patuxent Institution for Women opened on the grounds of Patuxent Institution.
REGIMENTED OFFENDER TREATMENT CENTER
In cooperation with the Division of Parole and Probation, Patuxent Institution started the Regimented Offender Treatment Center in Fiscal Year 1994.
DIVISION OF CORRECTION
6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
Eastern Correctional Institution (Westover)
Jessup Correctional Institution (formerly Maryland House of Correction Annex)
Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown
Maryland Correctional Institution - Jessup
Maryland Correctional Institution for Women - Jessup
Maryland Correctional Training Center (Hagerstown)
Metropolitan Transition Center (formerly Maryland Penitentiary) (Baltimore)
North Branch Correctional Institution (Cumberland)
Roxbury Correctional Institution - Hagerstown
Western Correctional Institution (Cumberland)CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Citizens' Advisory Committees for correctional institutions report to the Commissioner of Correction and the Governor about concerns of citizens residing in the vicinity of each institution. Committees serve the regions around Baltimore, Cumberland, Hagerstown, Jessup, and Somerset County. The Committee for Somerset County has eight members and all other Committees have seven members appointed to three-year terms by the Governor (Code Correctional Services Article, secs. 10-401 through 10-407).
Victim Services provides assistance to victims of crimes committed by persons under the jurisdiction of the Division of Correction. Services include ensuring that the victim is notified if the inmate escapes, is recaptured, is released to another agency, dies in custody, or is otherwise released due to court order, completion of sentencing, or being placed under mandatory supervision. Victim Services also may assist in formulating safety plans for victims and in submitting victim impact statements.
Administrative Services and Professional Development began as Administration and Special Programs, became Administrative Services and Professional Development in July 2004, became Administration and Special Projects in August 2006, and adopted its present name in October 2006. It is responsible for Finance, Food Services, Human Resources, and Property Management.
FOOD SERVICES
115 Sudbrook Lane, Suite 204, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 4199
6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2342
SECURITY OPERATIONS
Under Security Operations are Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness, Intelligence Coordination, the K-9 Unit, and the Security Audit Review Team.
In June 2007, an Assistant Commissioner assumed responsibility for Baltimore City Correctional Center; Maryland Correctional Adjustment Center (now Chesapeake Detention Facility); Maryland Reception, Diagnostic and Classification Center; Metropolitan Transition Center; and the Maryland Correctional Pre-Release System.
In July 2004, an Assistant Commissioner became responsible for Regional Operations - East, which includes oversight of four prisons: Eastern Correctional Institution; Jessup Correctional Institution; Maryland Correctional Institution - Jessup; and the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women.
In July 2004, an Assistant Commissioner became responsible for Regional Operations - West to oversee six prisons: Maryland Correctional Institution - Hagerstown; Maryland Correctional Training Center; North Branch Correctional Institution; Roxbury Correctional Institution; and Western Correctional Institution. In October 2006, responsibility for certain Baltimore institutions transferred to the Assistant Commissioner, but in June 2007, the Baltimore institutions moved under an Assistant Commissioner responsible solely for the Baltimore region.
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL ENTERPRISES
7275 Waterloo Road, Jessup, MD 20794
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL ENTERPRISES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
As the State Use Industries Advisory Committee, the Maryland Correctional Enterprises Management Council originated in 1981 (Chapter 661, Acts of 1981). In 1999, it reorganized as the State Use Industries Management Council (Chapter 324, Acts of 1999). In 2005, it was renamed Maryland Correctional Enterprises (Chapter 124, Acts of 2005).
CUSTOMER COUNCIL
Formed in 1999, the Customer Council advises the Chief Executive Officer of Maryland Correctional Enterprises (Chapter 324, Acts of 1999).
CHESAPEAKE DETENTION FACILITY
401 East Madison St., Baltimore, MD 21202
MARYLAND RECEPTION, DIAGNOSTIC & CLASSIFICATION CENTER
550 East Madison St., Baltimore, MD 21202
METROPOLITAN TRANSITION CENTER
954 Forrest St., Baltimore, MD 21202
(formerly Maryland Penitentiary)
![[photo, Metropolitan Transition Center (formerly Maryland Penitentiary), view from Eager St., Baltimore Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/22dpscs/images/i004375b.jpg)
The Metropolitan Transition Center is Maryland's oldest State prison and the oldest operating penal institution in the western world. It was first named the Maryland Penitentiary. Authorized in 1804, the Maryland Penitentiary opened in 1811 (Resolution no. 32, Acts of 1804). From 1811 to 1879 when the Maryland House of Correction opened, the Penitentiary was Maryland's only prison. Although women had separate quarters, juveniles and the criminally insane were housed with the general prison population.
As the Maryland Penitentiary, building began on a new physical plant in 1894. The west wing (along Eager St.) and the south wing (along Forrest St.) were completed in 1899, flanking the large central administration building completed in 1896. The most recent additions were made in 1956. Then, the old administration building dating from 1811 and one of the original cell houses were replaced by a sixty-bed general hospital for men in the correctional system.
BALTIMORE CITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER
901 Greenmount Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202
OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING CENTER
920 North Forrest St., Baltimore, MD 21202
926 Greenmount Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION - HAGERSTOWN
18601 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, MD 21746
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL TRAINING CENTER
P. O. Box 3333, Route 3
18800 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, MD 21746 - 3333
ROXBURY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P. O. Box 4444, Route 3
18701 Roxbury Road, Hagerstown, MD 21746 - 4444
NORTH BRANCH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
14100 McMullen Highway, SW, Cumberland, MD 21502
WESTERN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
13800 McMullen Highway, SW, Cumberland, MD 21502
JESSUP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P. O. Box 534, Maryland House of Correction Road, Jessup, Maryland 20794 - 0534
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION - JESSUP
P. O. Box 549, Maryland House of Correction Road (off Route 175), Jessup, MD 20794 - 0549
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN - JESSUP
P. O. Box 535, 7943 Brock Bridge Road, Jessup, MD 20794 - 0535
EASTERN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P. O. Box 500, Route 1
30420 Revells Neck Road, Westover, MD 21890 - 0500
(EASTERN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION ANNEX)
30430 Revells Neck Road, Westover, MD 21890 - 3368
P. O. Box 14, 24090 Nanticoke Road, Quantico, MD 21856 - 0014
MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL PRE-RELEASE SYSTEM
P. O. Box 537
Administration Building, 7930 Brock Bridge Road, Jessup, MD 20794 - 0537
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY
BROCKBRIDGE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
P. O. Box 537
7931 Brock Bridge Road, Jessup, MD 20794 - 0537
P. O. Box 536
2000 Toulson Road, Jessup, MD 20794 - 0536
CARROLL COUNTY
CENTRAL MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
P. O. Box 394
Springfield Hospital Center, 7301 Buttercup Road, Sykesville, MD 21784 - 0394
CHARLES COUNTY
SOUTHERN MARYLAND PRE-RELEASE UNIT
P. O. Box 159
14320 Oaks Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 - 0159
QUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY
EASTERN PRE-RELEASE UNIT
P. O. Box 122
700 Flat Iron Square Road, Church Hill, MD 21623 - 0122
DIVISION OF PAROLE & PROBATION
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 305, Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2341
OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
To the Division of Parole and Probation and its field operations, the Office of Administrative Services provides administrative, budget, fiscal, human resource management, lease and facilities management, and staff development and training services.
OFFICE OF FIELD OPERATIONS
The Office of Field Operations was initiated in 1978 to decentralize the statewide administration of parole and probation services. Under the Office are Community Surveillance and Enforcement; and the Regional Offices of Criminal Supervision.
Community Surveillance and Enforcement originated as the Community Service Program, and reorganized under its present name in 2008.
DRINKING-DRIVER MONITORING PROGRAM
In 1983, the Drinking-Driver Monitoring Program began. The Program requires that drivers suffering from alcoholism participate in substance-abuse education or treatment. They also must learn to refrain from driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled dangerous substances.
Through increased cooperation and information-sharing with law-enforcement agencies, the Violence Prevention Initiative provides focused supervision to known violent offenders.
The Case Monitoring Unit began in June 1994 under the Bureau of Special Services, when it assumed duties previously performed by the field offices. In 2007, the Unit transferred to Community Surveillance and Enforcement.
2100 Guilford Ave., Baltimore, MD 21218
Formerly under the Bureau of Special Services, the Interstate Compact Unit transferred to Community Surveillance and Enforcement in 2007.
In June 2011, the Warrant Apprehension Unit was established by statute so its employees could be reclassified as police and law enforcement officers with the powers and protection of the same (Chapter 366, Acts of 2011).
Regional Offices of Criminal Supervision formed as Offices of Regional Operations in 1980. They reorganized under their present name in 1994.
OFFICE OF PROGRAM SERVICES
Formed in 2000, the Office of Program Services is responsible for Management Information Services; Offender Services and Laboratory Services; Policy Development; and Victim Services.
Victim Services formed in November 1998 and was made part of the Office of Program Services in 2000.
OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS
DIVISION OF PRETRIAL DETENTION & SERVICES
401 East Eager St., Baltimore, MD 21202
BALTIMORE CITY DETENTION CENTER
401 East Eager St., Baltimore, MD 21202
CENTRAL BOOKING & INTAKE CENTER
300 East Madison St., Baltimore, MD 21202
PRETRIAL RELEASE SERVICES
Mitchell Courthouse, Room 508, 100 North Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21202
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance
Maryland Manual On-Line
Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us