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DPSCS faces spike in contraband finds, delayed IT projects and seeks bodycam funding
Summary
The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services told legislators that weapons and synthetic drugs rose sharply in fiscal 2024, that two major IT projects remain delayed, and that a body worn camera pilot is under way with a plan to expand.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services reported a steep rise in contraband finds in fiscal 2024, delays on two major information technology projects, and a pilot that has deployed 100 body worn cameras to correctional officers at no cost to the state.
Catherine Barber, Department of Legislative Services analyst, told the Public Safety and Administration Subcommittee that overall contraband occurrences increased 39% from fiscal 2023 to 2024 and that weapons made up 44% of finds in fiscal 2024. "This is an extremely unusual increase... and poses a grave and immediate threat to the safety of inmates and staff," Barber said.
DPSCS Secretary Carolyn Scruggs told the panel contraband can enter facilities through visitation, mail, drones or be manufactured inside facilities. She said new…
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