The Maryland Legislature's Public Safety and Transportation (PST) Committee convened on February 10, 2025, to address critical issues concerning community supervision agents following the tragic murder of parole agent Davis Martinez in May 2024. The meeting focused on safety measures, agent caseloads, and the transition to new risk assessment tools.

The session began with a discussion on the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) response to Agent Martinez's death. The agency has implemented several safety enhancements, including the procurement of multi-threat vests and the placement of armed guards in offices statewide. Funding for these initiatives totals approximately $2.24 million, allocated from the fiscal 2025 budget. Additionally, agents' phones will soon feature tracking technology to monitor their locations during work hours, although terms of use are still under negotiation with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

DPSCS has suspended home visits for parole agents for nearly eight months, opting for in-office meetings and video calls instead. The agency plans to resume home visits only after re-equipping and retraining its agents. This retraining is supported by Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 123, which aim to expand the Correctional Training Commission's membership to enhance resource access.

The committee also addressed the high caseloads faced by agents, which have risen to 85,343 cases in fiscal 2024, a 3% increase from the previous year. The American Parole and Probation Association recommends a caseload ratio of 70 cases per agent, but only two of four regions currently meet this standard. The Department of Legislative Services (DLS) recommended that an annual report on DPP caseloads be submitted by September 15, 2025.

Another significant topic was the delay in transitioning to a new risk assessment tool. DPSCS has been evaluating its current tools and plans to adopt a new one by the end of fiscal 2024. However, personnel changes have caused delays, and the agency continues to use the Initial Risk Screener (IRS) as its primary assessment tool. DLS suggested that an annual report on the implementation of new risk assessment tools be submitted by September 1, 2025.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts by DPSCS to enhance the safety and effectiveness of community supervision agents while addressing the challenges posed by high caseloads and outdated assessment tools. The committee's recommendations aim to ensure accountability and improve the overall functioning of the Department of Parole and Probation.