In many states as well as Maryland, inmates can earn up to 15 days per month with the possibility of reducing their sentence by half. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention has released statistics from 2009 showing that 51% of Maryland inmates who are convicted for a crime of violence and let out early on mandatory release are re-arrested and back in prison within three years.

Delegate Ben Kramer (D-District 19) is one of the state legislators leading the effort to reduce the number of days off a sentence that can be earned each month from 15 to 10. This legislation would allow criminals to become eligible for mandatory release after serving 66% of their sentence instead of 50% as is now the case. Our police officers have asked that we make citizens aware of the existing law and the pending legislation to change it. For those of you who would like further information, we suggest you read the following story that can be found on the Gazette website.

If you wish to voice your opinion on this matter to members of the legislature, it is important that you do so as soon as possible. Below is a form letter that you can use for this purpose.

You may also contact Montgomery County Police Commander Nancy Demme (nancy.demme@montgomerycountymd.gov) or Captain Patricia Walker (patricia.walker@montgomerycountymd.gov) or Delegate Ben Kramer (benjamin.kramer@house.state.md.us) for more information.

Diminution Credits Form Letter (Word document)

Diminution Credits Form Letter (pdf format)

I’m sure that people are aware that there were 4 commercial burglaries in the Olney Village mart (2 on 12/25 – Radio Shack and Cheeburger, then the same two were hit again on 12/27).  We are working to identify the suspects responsible – the officers assigned to the Olney area are aware and are giving the shopping centers some additional patrol.

We area also working a string of commercial burglaries up and down the Georgia Ave corridor up to Rt 108 – again we are working to identify suspects.

Also, the community may have heard about a woman on Olney Mill Road who was assaulted by a group of teenagers who shot at her from a vehicle with a paintball gun.  All 5 have been identified, they are all juveniles, live in the Olney area and charges are pending.

I understand that the community is and should be concerned about these crimes and I want them to know that we are aware of them and are working diligently to solve them as quickly as possible. Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact the 4D Detective Section @ 240-773-5530.

Thank you.

Commander Nancy C. Demme
Montgomery County Police Department
Fourth District