* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Stokes
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Holding Gun Offenders Accountable
For the purpose of inviting the Baltimore City State’s Attorney, the Police Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, representatives from the Law Department, and representatives from the Bureau of Budget and Management Research to come before the City Council to discuss the prevalence of gun violence in the city, and how the establishment of a dedicated gun court could serve to better track these cases, make outcomes of these gun crimes more consistent, and deter people from having illegal weapons.
body
Recitals
Guns have played a role in too many crimes in Baltimore City for far too long. For the seventh consecutive year we are on pace to surpass the grime milestones of 300 homicides. Statistics show that 85% of the murders that are committed in the City are done by perpetrators using illegal firearms. In June of 2021, the Baltimore Police Department reported that there had been 162 homicides, 330 shootings, and 705 gun arrests this year. The presence and usage of illegal firearms will continue to be a leading cause of destruction in our communities if punishment for these crimes isn’t swift and certain for offenders. In addition to in-court adjudication, gun court is characterized by pre-trial and...
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