Combating Drug Abuse and Drug-related Crime: What Is Working in Baltimore

After a period of improvement, lethal and non-lethal violent crime in Baltimore is on the rise. The Domestic Policy Subcommittee hearing will examine innovative approaches to combating drug abuse, drug-related violence, and gang activity in Baltimore. The focus of the hearing will be on evaluating practical alternatives to incarceration to prevent drug use and drug-related violence.  

The hearing will study the provision and coordination of multiple services to at-risk juveniles and young adults, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, job training, and housing. It will also take a look at the best practices in the operation of drug courts and emergent problem-solving courts and coordinated community outreach to at-risk individuals and low-level offenders.  

Witnesses for the hearing include:
Panel I
•    Ms. Lena Franklin, Director, Recovery in Community
•    Ms. Rita Fayall, Program Coordinator, Meet-Me-Halfway Mentoring Program
•    Mr. Leon Faruq, Program Director, Operation Safe Street East
•    Ms. Sheryl Goldstein, Director, Mayor’s Office on Criminal Justice

Panel II
•    The Hon. Ellen M. Heller, Retired, Administrative Judge and Judge in Charge of the Civil Docket, Circuit Court of Baltimore City
•    The Hon. Jamey H. Weitzman, Associate Judge, District Court of Baltimore City
•    The Hon. David W. Young, Associate Judge, Circuit Court of Baltimore City

Panel III
•    Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, Commissioner, Baltimore City Health Department
•    Dr. Philip J. Leaf, Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health