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Lawmakers, public, meeting to focus on crime solutions in Baltimore

Posted at 7:57 AM, Sep 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-12 18:13:47-04

Multiple lawmakers and members of the community met Tuesday at a joint hearing in Annapolis to discuss crime in Baltimore.

State Senator Bobby Zirkin said the meeting was the first of many. 

"What is happening in Baltimore City mean something to that state and it means something because, quite frankly, there is a tremendous loss of life."

Zirkin called Tuesdays joint hearing to feather out solutions to Baltimore's violence. 

Mayor Catherine Pugh was in attendance. She testified though much has been done, there is still much that needs to be done. 

"The doors of City Hall swing open, open to the public, open to those who want to provide us with solutions, open to those who want to help us move beyond where we are today and again, open to additional resources that are very much needed," Pugh said. 

City lawmakers requested state money and resourced to stem the violence in Baltimore.

From better funding of witness protection, new technology for police, more cops and even a testimony form Johns Hopkins violence researcher Daniel Webster to double down on proven programs like Safe Streets, the panel said if Annapolis wants to help, they'll take it in dollars, resources and legislative solutions the police commissioner hopes to get tougher on guns.

"We must also get tough on criminals," Commissioner Kevin Davis said. "Especially those who make the choice to carry guns and kill, shoot and rob our friends, family members and neighbors."

The hearing is expected to continue into the evening Tuesday. There will be an opportunity for public comment.