ANNAPOLIS, Md. — We talk about it everyday, the rising crime problem is a great concern for many residents in the city. Now, that issue has the attention of lawmakers in Annapolis.
"People are getting tired of Baltimore City getting beat up and not just the local press but, the national press," said Mike Miller, Senate President.
Miller speaking to the attention Baltimore City has received ever since the Freddie Gray riots. President Miller has heard from Mayor Pugh about the rising crime problem and wants to do what he can to make Baltimore a safer city.
"We need to make sure that people who live in Baltimore City as well as visitors feel safe in Baltimore City," said Miller.
Ten years ago, Baltimore City had 3,000 officers, now there are only 2,500.
Miller agrees there needs to be more officers patrolling the city.
Currently, Baltimore City police patrol Johns Hopkins University, Miller thinks Hopkins should have it's own police force, like most colleges in Maryland. He says that would free up more city police to patrol Baltimore.
"This is additional law enforcement in Baltimore City. Nobody can turn that down, nobody should turn that down. The safety of the people of Baltimore, the students of Baltimore should be all important to all elected officials," said Miller.
Other ideas for Baltimore is to have a new police training academy in Baltimore on the Coppin State campus.
"We're also establishing a training commission so they can put these people in place immediately in Baltimore City on the Coppin campus. It's a win, win for everybody," said Miller.
Just how much legislators are willing to contribute state money to Baltimore City will be one of the main issues this coming session when the General Assembly reconvenes January 9.
