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Maryland’s new correctional ombudsman details early work and asks for sustained resources

Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee · February 12, 2026

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Summary

The newly created Office of the Correctional Ombudsman described intake channels, nearly 2,000 complaints, secured mailboxes and tablet pilots, and urged lawmakers to fund authority and staffing that mirror stronger oversight models in other states.

The first Maryland Office of the Correctional Ombudsman told the subcommittee it has established "boots on the ground" oversight since October 2024 and is already receiving thousands of complaints, but that its capacity and geographic reach remain limited.

Yvonne Bridal Wilson, Maryland’s correctional ombudsman, said the office has collected approximately 1,978 complaints to date (1,457 on the DPSCS side and 511 for the Department of Juvenile Services) and has hired deputies and assistant ombudsmen, including staff with lived experience. OCO has placed secured mailboxes in Jessup facilities and is piloting confidential tablet messaging at a facility in the Jessup region to expand confidential intake channels.

DLS analyst Josh Weinstock noted OCO’s FY27 proposed budget is just under $2.2 million and recommended committee narrative requesting OCO’s managing‑for‑results (MFR) performance measures by July 1, 2026. Ombudsman Wilson said the office agrees and will submit the MFR; she urged the committee to consider models such as New Jersey’s and Minnesota’s offices as benchmarks for eventual growth and sustainability.

Public witnesses — including Serena Lau of A Mother's Cry and Heather Wernkin of the University of Baltimore — urged expanded OCO presence beyond the Jessup focus region to Western and Eastern facilities, arguing that broader coverage is necessary to respond to urgent complaints and reduce harms. The committee pressed OCO to deliver the outstanding MFR and other reports promptly.

Ending: Legislators praised the office’s rapid start but signaled they will monitor OCO’s report delivery and may condition further funding on timely submissions and demonstrated capacity.