ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Wes Moore announced a proposed record $124.1 million allocation for law enforcement through the State Aid for Police Protection Program in the fiscal year 2027 budget on January 9, 2026, as Maryland experiences continued declines in violent crime rates.
Preliminary data for 2025 show homicides decreased 25% statewide compared to 2024, reaching the lowest levels in nearly 40 years, non-fatal shootings down 28%, and robberies down more than 25%. Since the Moore administration took office in 2023, homicides fell 44% statewide, 58% in Baltimore City, and 39% in Prince George’s County, while non-fatal shootings decreased 40%.
The program distributes formula-based funds to counties and municipalities to supplement police operations, using factors like population, officer counts, and taxable income. The fiscal year 2027 Notice of Funding Availability details application processes for eligible agencies.
Moore said, “Our administration is committed to creating a safer state for every Marylander through an all-of-the-above approach that supports law enforcement, strengthens our communities, and invests in our people. Our public safety strategy is delivering real results, but we are building on that progress with new investments so that every Marylander can live with the safety and dignity they deserve.”
The strategy includes three pillars: providing law enforcement resources, such as reinstating the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center with Baltimore City integration for data sharing; grants for equipment and overtime; investments in public defenders and prosecutors; federal partnerships; and re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.
Moore reinstated state police support for Baltimore City after a prior administration terminated it. Maryland State Police Acting Superintendent Colonel Michael A. Jackson said, “Working together across jurisdictional boundaries is critical to the public safety services we provide throughout the state. At the direction of Governor Moore and working alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we are committed to building on our progress to keep Marylanders safe.”
Community efforts include the ENOUGH program granting funds to 28 areas to address poverty; expanded mental and behavioral health access; support for nonprofits against hate crimes; Safer Stronger Together for families affected by violence; THRIVE Academy for at-risk youth; Service Year Option for mentorship; and initiatives uplifting men and boys.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy said, “Governor Wes Moore’s partnership and commitment to public safety is real. It is an approach to public safety that has been instrumental to the historic 40% reduction in homicides we’ve achieved in Prince George’s County. The synergy between state and local governments is vital, and it’s clear that with today’s record funding announcement, in addition to strategic investments the governor and General Assembly have made, we share the view that public safety and economic development are intertwined. In Prince George’s County, we look forward to continuing our work with the Moore-Miller Administration to deliver safer, stronger, and more prosperous neighborhoods for county residents.”
The proposal follows periods of debate over police resources in Maryland. In 2020, amid national responses to George Floyd’s death, Baltimore City cut $22 million from its police budget, including overtime and specialized units, prompting discussions on reallocating funds to social services. Some linked resulting staffing shortages to crime increases, leading to partial funding restorations in later budgets.
Earlier, former Gov. Larry Hogan introduced the Re-Fund the Police initiative to increase state aid. Maryland maintains relatively high per-capita police spending compared to national averages.
In Southern Maryland, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties receive annual SAPP distributions to support sheriff’s offices and municipal forces. Recent activities include the January 2025 graduation of new officers from the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy, with six joining Charles County Sheriff’s Office alongside recruits from Calvert and St. Mary’s. Charles County Sheriff’s Office earned Accreditation with Excellence from CALEA in March 2025, recognizing high standards in operations.
Going forward, the proposed increase could sustain crime reductions by providing tools for prevention and response, while community programs target root causes like poverty and youth risks to lower recidivism. In Southern Maryland, additional funds may bolster patrols in growing rural and highway areas, complementing local efforts such as domestic violence warrant operations and drug investigations in Charles County.
The budget proposal requires approval by the General Assembly during the 2026 session.