Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued major state directives:
1. Crackdown on Youth Auto Theft (Juvenile Services Directive)
Governor Wes Moore issued a state directive ordering the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and state law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate multi-agency intervention program addressing a surge in youth-involved motor vehicle thefts.
Target Hotspots: Directs pilot intervention programs in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, areas experiencing the highest year-over-year increases in juvenile car thefts. Early Intervention: Directs officials to engage at-risk youth and younger children who are involved in stolen vehicle incidents before they reach the threshold for formal criminal charges. Community Model: Adapts a mentorship framework pairing law enforcement with community navigators and credible messengers to work directly with families.