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DPSCS Response to motion and civil action – Jerome Duvall v. Larry Hogan

DPSCS MARYLAND

(TOWSON, MD) — A motion has been filed in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland to reopen a Partial Settlement Agreement (PSA) regarding conditions and issues related to the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC). The Plaintiffs in this matter are seeking relief in the form of a preliminary injunction, which essentially would require the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) to implement 10 improvements within the context of the PSA.

This action began in 1964 and has continued for years. In August 2009, the Plaintiffs filed to have the case re-opened. According to their brief to the Court, prior administrations have failed to resolve the issues that the Plaintiffs allege have occurred over the span of 50 years. Plaintiffs allege that these issues are directly related to 24 inmate deaths during the past five years.

In recent years, the Department of Justice and the Plaintiffs acknowledge that progress has been made, and attorneys for the Plaintiffs recognized the commitment and willingness of DPSCS to move forward and resolve outstanding alleged issues.

The current DPSCS administration has been in place for four months. During that time, DPSCS has met with attorneys for the Plaintiffs three times.

“I was four years old when this original case was filed in 1964. I am 54 and have only had four months to learn about these perceived issues. I have high expectations of my staff to change the way we do business. I respectfully asked for time to address these concerns and was told no by attorneys for the Plaintiffs. We are committed to providing the best service to our clients and will remain committed to ensuring that accepted standards are met,” stated Stephen T. Moyer, DPSCS Secretary.

Over the course of the past 10 years, the State of Maryland has invested more than $58 million dollars to improve the safety and security of inmates and staff at BCDC. DPSCS has demonstrated its commitment to the principles of the PSA, and shall continue efforts to improve the operations of all correctional facilities throughout the State of Maryland.

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DPSCS Communications Office Contacts:
Mark Vernarelli | 410-339-5065 | mvernarelli@dpscs.state.md.us
Robert Thomas | 410-339-5009 | rbthomas@dpscs.state.md.us
Gerard Shields | 410-339-5834 | gshields@dpscs.state.md.us
Communications Office | 410-339-50

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