BALTIMORE — Governor Larry Hogan met with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Police Commissioner Michael Harrison Thursday morning to discuss crime in the city.
In a statement, Scott called the meeting productive.
Although Scott's team says no funding requests were made, they did reportedly present the Governor with ideas to help reduce violence including ways to "strengthen collaboration across law enforcement agencies," and "lessen unessential burdens on Baltimore Police officers to permit more time to fight crime."
“We talked about a lot of great things,” said Scott. “We talked about re-starting that Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and the state being participants, and we’re looking forward to that, because for me, this is about the most important thing facing the City of Baltimore and we’re also talking about accountability on all levels.”
Without going into great detail about what was discussed, Harrison spoke of a commitment to work together.
“It’s all about the coordination of all of our partnerships, Probation & Parole, the coordination council, the Criminal Justice Coordination Council and state police,” said the police commissioner. “It’s all of us working together as partners.”
Earlier in the week the city also announced a pilot program that would soon begin diverting some 911 calls for behavioral health issues from police.
Scott says the program would allow police officers to spend more time focusing on violence.
READ MORE: Baltimore City 911 system to begin diverting some behavioral health calls away from police
Noticably omitted from the meeting---Baltimore City State’s Attorney Maryilyn Mosby who claims she has tried to meet with the governor as well.
“No one in our office has ever been contacted by her about a meeting,” responded Hogan on Wednesday when asked about potentially meeting with her. “Quite frankly, given the fact that she’s under federal investigation and not prosecuting crime, I’m not sure it would be very productive.”
A spokesperson for Mosby's office quickly put out a statement disputing Hogan's claims.
"We’re not certain why the Governor would mislead the public about the State’s Attorney’s attempts to meet with him to discuss a plan and strategy about violent crime in Baltimore City, but despite the Governor’s misguided assertions we have proof," said Zy Richardson. "Whether or not the Governor chooses to exhibit leadership and meet with the State’s Attorney is completely up to him."
When asked if Mosby would have a role in the partnership, the mayor said there’s no question.
“This is about bringing all of the partners together,” said Scott. “We know that the state’s attorney has a great relationship working with the BPD, working with myself. We’re going to be working not just with her, but our federal attorneys. We’re going to be doing that. We’re going to be working with our partners at the state as well. This is why I made that call. This is to bring everyone together.”
SEE ALSO: Gov. Hogan says crime seems to be the last thing Baltimore City is concerned about
Prior to the meeting, the Governor and Mayor had been trading barbs over the city's increase in crime.
Thus far in 2021, there have been 113 murders and 234 non-fatal shootings reported in the city -- up seven and 33 respectively from this time last year.
