Cambridge officials calling for more resources to address youth crime

March 13, 2024

Deja Parker,

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – Youth crime is something we’ve been following in Cambridge.

City officials are now calling for a change and a better use of resources. “If you do not have consequences for your actions, you’re going to keep repeating the same actions over and over again. And it’s my hope that that part of the law can change and be revamped up in Annapolis,” said Chief Justin Todd with the Cambridge Police Department.

Following recent legislation, police can not charge juveniles like before. As a result, crime is increasing. “They’re not being held by juvenile services when they commit a crime such as vehicle theft. We had one juvenile commit 11 vehicle thefts that just kept getting released by us and going back and committing the same crime over again,” said Chief Todd.

Cambridge Mayor Steve Rideout says to reduce these numbers it will take a community effort. “And that takes getting them help with early education, getting them to love school, getting them to feel welcome, and in school and treated well in school,” said Mayor Steve Rideout.

He’s says the health of these children needs to be at the forefront as well. “The Department of Juvenile Services having more resources. It’s having more mental health, substance abuse services here and rural areas really are behind the eight ball in that regard. There aren’t enough people here. The resources aren’t felt to be effective here,” said Mayor Rideout.

Lowering the amount of youth crime in Cambridge won’t be fixed overnight, but both officials believe it’s a needed change for the better. “And that’s not an easy thing to turn around. It’s not going to happen every day or a week or even months. We have to change the culture here because it’s been going on for way too long,” said Mayor Rideout. “We get the juvenile situation under control in the city. It’s definitely going to have a positive impact on the community,” said Chief Todd.

To view the full youth crime report visit the city of Cambridge’s website.