Officials give approaches in handling juvenile crime

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Officials further weighed in on Maryland’s Juvenile Reform Law, also known as House Bill814.

There are differing opinions on how to approach juvenile crime, but whether you’re a community leader or a government official, the common theme is redirection. Wicomico County NAACP president, Monica Brooks, said grassroots work within the community is one of the key ways to reach local youth, and hopefully deter them from committing in the first place.

“We can’t just do one and done events; we have to connect on a regular basis in the community, and that’s going to require resources,” Brooks said.

On the other hand, Wicomico County State’s Attorney, Jamie Dykes, was a strong advocate for HB814, and said in an event that law enforcement, or the state, has to get involved, their redirection and enforcement of the law is important in getting that juvenile back on the right track.

“It’s crucial to allow for those supportive efforts, whether it’s mental health treatments, whether it’s addictions treatments, that was a big part of this,” Dykes said.