Prince George's County State's Attorney proposes $30M budget for staff and digital upgrades

The Prince George's County Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the Office of the State's Attorney, Police Department, and Social Services. The meeting focused on the fiscal year 2026 budget, which for the Office of the State's Attorney is projected at approximately $30.8 million, reflecting a $2.25 million increase from the previous year.

The budget breakdown revealed that the general fund component is $28.3 million, accounting for 91.7% of the agency's budget, while the grant fund component stands at $2.6 million. Key allocations include $18.8 million for compensation, $2.9 million for operating expenses, and $6.7 million for fringe benefits. The office currently faces a full-time vacancy rate of 9.2% and a part-time vacancy rate of 27.5%.

State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy highlighted the office's goals for the upcoming fiscal year, which include hiring and retaining essential staff such as administrative personnel, legal assistants, and victim witness coordinators. She emphasized the importance of fully funding the newly adopted salary schedule, which aims to improve staff retention and attract talent from other jurisdictions.

Braveboy also discussed the need for additional storage solutions for digital evidence, as the office has recently implemented the NICE Justice software system to enhance evidence preservation and collection. This need for storage is echoed by the Police Department, indicating a broader issue within the county's criminal justice system.

Jason Abbott, the principal deputy state's attorney, noted the strain on the victim witness coordinator unit, which is currently understaffed and overwhelmed with cases. He requested additional personnel to support this critical function, which is vital for maintaining communication with victims and witnesses throughout the legal process.

The committee also addressed unfunded mandates, including potential legislation that could increase the workload for the conviction and sentencing integrity unit. Abbott indicated that the unit, currently staffed by only two individuals, would require additional resources to manage the anticipated influx of cases.

Budget Director Stanley Early acknowledged the challenges faced by the State's Attorney's Office but expressed satisfaction with the progress made in reducing vacancy rates and implementing the salary schedule. He noted that while additional requests could not be fully accommodated due to fiscal constraints, public safety remains a priority for the administration.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure the effective functioning of the criminal justice system in Prince George's County. The committee plans to continue evaluating budget requests and their implications for public safety and community services in the upcoming fiscal year.