In a recent meeting of the Maryland PST Committee, significant discussions centered around a settlement approved by the Board of Public Works related to a serious case of inmate victimization. The case involved a plaintiff, Mr. Wallace, who was assaulted while in the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) in 2014. After a jury found that the state had violated his civil rights and acted with negligence, they awarded him $25 million in damages. However, due to the Maryland Tort Claims Act, which limits state liability, the settlement amount was reduced to $200,000. To address this, Mr. Wallace filed another suit, leading to a settlement of $7 million approved by the Board.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about inmate safety and state accountability. The meeting revealed that the DPSCS has faced multiple legal claims, with nine cases settled in both fiscal years 2022 and 2023, totaling over $700,000. The committee noted that while settlements do not imply guilt, they reflect a troubling pattern of inmate mistreatment that requires urgent attention.

In response to these issues, a proposed bill aims to establish a correctional ombudsman to investigate claims of wrongdoing within the DPSCS. This initiative seeks to enhance transparency and trust in the system, potentially preventing future cases from escalating to the Board of Public Works.

Additionally, the committee discussed the Duval v. Hogan consent decree, a long-standing legal agreement aimed at improving conditions within the correctional system. While some progress has been made, concerns remain about the pace of compliance, particularly regarding mental health services and accommodations for inmates with special needs. The deadline for full compliance is set for June 30, 2024, and failure to meet this could result in renewed litigation and increased financial penalties.

Lastly, the committee addressed the Chesapeake Detention Facility, which has been operating under a federal agreement since 2012. The facility has required significant state funding, raising questions about the sustainability of this arrangement as costs are projected to rise significantly in the coming years.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing challenges within Maryland's correctional system and the need for reforms to ensure the safety and rights of inmates while managing state resources effectively. As these issues evolve, the community will be watching closely for further developments and the potential impact on public safety and justice.