Appointed by Governor: Tara Andrews; Carolyn A. Atkins; Yale H. Caplan, Ph.D.; Ronald W. Cullison, Jr.; Jack E. Hughes; Ralph M. Hughes; Ellsworth Johnson-Bey; Larry D. Kump; Carol J. Martindale; Brenda Mellerson; Mona Y. Powell; two vacancies.
Ex officio: Douglas F. Gansler, Attorney General; Donald W. DeVore, Secretary of Juvenile Services; Gary D. Maynard, Secretary of Public Safety & Correctional Services; J. Michael Stouffer, Acting Commissioner of Correction; Nancy S. Forster, Public Defender.
Staff: Rhea L. Harris
c/o Office of Secretary, Dept. of Public Safety & Correctional Services
300 East Joppa Road., Suite 1000, Towson, MD 21286 - 3020
(410) 260-6070
e-mail: rharris@dpscs.state.md.us
Final Report to Governor & General Assembly due Dec. 31, 2008.
The Task Force to Study Prison Violence in Maryland organized in May 2008 (Chapter 518, Acts of 2007). The causes, nature, patterns, and scope of the violence in Maryland's prisons is to be studied by the Task Force. The impact of certain factors, such as illegal drugs, contraband, and exposure to lead and other environmental pollutants will be examined, and the role of gang activity on violence will be evaluated. Finally, the Task Force will look at best practices for dealing with prison violence in the correctional systems of other states.
Authorization for the Task Force extends through January 31, 2009.