Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, who is running for Senate in Maryland, shifted $20 million from a police training facility to a mental health and addiction treatment center. She made this decision despite a rise in crime rates in Prince George’s County. This move was announced in June 2020 as protests against police brutality swept the nation following George Floyd’s death. The increase in calls to defund the police coincided with a surge in violent crime across the country, including a 30% rise in the murder rate.
Alsobrooks justified her reallocation by pointing out that a significant portion of inmates in Prince George’s County jails had mental health issues or addiction problems. She argued that it was unfair to address these issues within the confines of a jail. The decision to divert the funds from the police training facility to a mental health facility was supported by the County Council and approved by voters in 2020.
Despite facing criticism for this move, Alsobrooks defended her decision during a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of providing mental health and addiction care outside of the criminal justice system. Her spokesperson highlighted Alsobrooks’ track record, citing a 50% decrease in violent crime when she served as the state attorney for Prince George’s County from 2011 to 2018. However, since becoming county executive in 2018, violent crime has increased by 30% through 2022.
Angela Alsobrooks will go head-to-head with former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the upcoming general election. While election analysts predict that Alsobrooks is likely to win, Hogan’s high approval rating may pose a challenge in a traditionally blue state. The race is expected to be competitive, with both candidates vying for the Senate seat.
As the campaign unfolds, voters will have to weigh the candidates’ positions on issues such as law enforcement, public safety, and mental health care. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for Maryland and the broader political landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews with the candidates.