In a letter to Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young, Governor Larry Hogan has pledged $21 million to help Baltimore fight crime. Governor Hogan also endorsed the use of a controversial program that lets Maryland State Police fly over the city and record people and vehicles on the ground.
The surveillance plane was last used three years ago when it was discontinued following public outcry over its use. The governor also urged city officials to pledge to reduce homicides to below 200 a year. This year, Baltimore is on pace to exceed 300 homicides for the fourth year in a row. The state will also give Baltimore seven-million dollars to upgrade crime-fighting technology. The governor is also urging Young to support tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders.Hogan says the mayor has inherited a difficult situation, "but now is the time to show the people of the city that we are all serious about stopping this deadly violence and getting shooters off of the streets."