Overview & Introduction

• Panelists: The panel included Baltimore County Executive Katherine Clausmire, Police Chief Robert McCullough, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Betsy Fox Tolantino, and State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

• Purpose: The forum was held to let residents ask questions, share information, and address public safety concerns directly with leadership, specifically focused on the Towson area.

Key Discussion Points

• Crime Statistics vs. Perception:

  • State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger noted that Baltimore County hit a five-year low in homicides (28 total) and a five-year low in non-fatal shootings. Chief McCullough added that overall crime in Towson and countywide was down 10%, with carjackings down 75% and handgun violations down 40%.

  • Multiple panelists and residents discussed that while the actual numbers show a decrease in violent crime, the "perception of crime" remains a challenge due to the rapid spread of information on social media.

• Traffic Safety and Aggressive Driving:

  • Speeding, running red lights, and reckless driving on major local roadways like York Road and the 695 Beltway were prominent concerns brought up by several residents.

  • Chief McCullough announced plans to launch an Aggressive Driving Enforcement Team as department staffing numbers continue to recover. The panel also discussed the potential benefits of automated tools like red-light and speed cameras.

• Juvenile Justice Legislation:

  • Panelists discussed upcoming state legislation taking effect October 1st, where 16- and 17-year-olds charged with handgun possession and first-degree assault will start their cases in juvenile court rather than adult court.

  • Secretary Tolantino defended the balance of accountability and intervention, citing that over 85% of these cases historically find their way back to the juvenile system or get dismissed anyway. State's Attorney Shellenberger offered a differing perspective, cautioning against a legislative trend toward moving serious felony crimes away from adult accountability.

• Towson Commercial Landscape and Economic Vitality:

  • Residents noted empty storefronts, a declining population inside the Towson Town Center Mall, and the closure of key community hubs like the movie theater circle.

  • Local leadership shared that the county is working on establishing its first public-private Economic Development Corporation to better attract employers, pressure property owners to utilize vacant spaces, and improve the job landscape.

• Police Staffing & Operational Resources:

  • In response to a question about a reliance on overtime, Chief McCullough clarified that the department currently has 184 vacancies following a major wave of retirements from staff hired 30 years ago.

  • However, he highlighted robust recruitment success, noting 109 new hires this year, 160 currently in the academy, and an expectation to return to near full strength by the first quarter of 2027.

  • He also mentioned the successful deployment of tactical resources like police drones to quickly respond to active service calls.

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