Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates thanks Baltimore community скачать в хорошем качестве

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates thanks Baltimore community

Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates attributes significant reductions in violent crime to strong partnerships and a focus on prosecuting repeat offenders, while also addressing challenges in juvenile justice and parental accountability. Article: Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan Bates discussed the city's significant reductions in violent crime and the challenges in juvenile justice during an interview, attributing the progress to strong partnerships and a focus on prosecuting repeat offenders. "I mean, look, number one, always going to come down to partnership. You know, the police out there, they're the ones risking their lives. They're the ones making the arrests. We're doing our job and prosecuting them," Bates said. He emphasized the importance of making it clear that repeat violent offenders with illegal handguns will be sent to prison, which he believes plays a major role in the crime reduction. Bates also highlighted the contributions of community organizations and unsung heroes, such as churches and groups like ROCA, in helping to reduce crime. However, he expressed concern about juvenile offenders, noting that they do not see the same level of accountability as adults. Bates addressed the issue of parental accountability, mentioning a case where a young lady was charged with manslaughter after her dog broke free and killed an individual. He discussed efforts to hold parents accountable when their children commit crimes with their handguns, although he acknowledged the difficulties in prosecuting such cases. "We've spoken to some legislatures. We have a couple bills. I know one of the bills we had that did not get a lot of traction this year, but we're going to come back bigger and better and stronger next year," Bates said. Bates also discussed the need for better support for parents and improvements in the juvenile justice system. He mentioned that his office is focusing more on the juvenile system to understand what is working and what is not. Regarding communication with the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), Bates said, "I don't meet with the secretary myself personally, but my team, my chief of staff, she meets with some of the chief of staff over there. And so here in Baltimore City, actually. And they sit and they talk. They have those conversations. We're constantly having those conversations." Bates acknowledged a difference in philosophy between his office and DJS, emphasizing that while DJS focuses on the child, his office's job is public safety. He expressed opposition to the automatic charging bill, which would have cases involving juveniles start in the juvenile system, and stressed the need for DJS to ensure the system is working before considering such changes. Reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of the Freddie Gray riots, Bates noted the significant changes in policing, including the implementation of body cameras, the consent decree, and improved training for police officers. He emphasized the importance of partnerships and the need to follow evidence before charging individuals. Bates also highlighted his office's focus on protecting vulnerable individuals, such as older adults and children. He shared a personal story about his motivation to protect vulnerable adults and discussed the creation of an older adult division in his office to address crimes against them. "We want the message to be crystal clear. If you're going to do something to my children and to my older adults, to the vulnerable adults, our older adults and our children, we are coming after you and we're going to put you in prison for many years, many decades, and oftentimes the rest of your natural life," Bates said. Bates expressed support for the Second Look Act, which allows judges to reconsider sentences after 20 years, providing hope for individuals who have changed their lives while in prison. He clarified that this is not a get-out-of-jail-free card but an opportunity for a hearing to potentially modify sentences. Regarding the 287G program and cooperation with ICE, Bates stated that his office follows the law and supports holding violent undocumented individuals accountable. He mentioned that his office has reached out to ICE in cases involving undocumented individuals who committed violent crimes. In conclusion, Bates emphasized his office's focus on doing the work and maintaining strong partnerships to ensure public safety. "We're hiring. We're growing. We feel we're working very close with our partners. At the end of the day, I like the fact that the focus isn't on us. When you turn on the news and we're like the eighth or ninth news story in that rotation, we're doing our job," Bates said.