DPSCS seeks $211.5 million; lawmakers pressed on PIA failures, drone contraband and delayed IT projects

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services asked the Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee to concur with a fiscal 2025 allowance of $211,500,000 while testifying about contraband recoveries, reentry programs and overdue IT upgrades.

Carolyn J. Scruggs, secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, told senators the department is confronting a rise in contraband recoveries and recent indictments tied to drone deliveries. "The department regrets the mishandling of the PIA request and has been working to put measures in place that will correct the issue and ensure that this does not happen again," Scruggs said, describing an overhaul of the Office of Constituent Services that added management and seven new staff and included PIA training for records custodians.

Why it matters: DLS flagged six rulings by the Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board against DPSCS since the board gained enforcement powers in 2022 and recommended restricting $100,000 in general funds until the department submits a written plan to comply with the Public Information Act. The subcommittee will use DLS requests for updated reporting to monitor progress.

DLS analyst Jacob Cash summarized operational trends the subcommittee weighed while reviewing the allowance. Cash noted DPSCS completed a statewide drone‑detection and mitigation system in December and described two recent indictments involving conspiracies to smuggle contraband; one alleged scheme named a nurse contractor, and another involved outside facilitators reportedly using drones to deliver items onto facility grounds.

Cash also called attention to long‑running IT projects that DLS said are essential for regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. The electronic patient health record (EPHR) replacement had a previously canceled contract; DLS estimated the total EPHR project cost at about $21.6 million and tentatively projected completion in June 2027. The department also restarted a procurement for a computerized criminal history system after switching to a cloud‑based solicitation, a move that delayed an award.

DLS argued those IT projects affect compliance with the Duvall v. Hogan consent decree covering pretrial detention, saying portions of that decree remain only partially compliant and that updated records systems could help bring the department into full compliance.

Scruggs described program and reentry initiatives intended to reduce recidivism and expand vocational and education opportunities inside facilities. She said DPSCS is finalizing a memorandum of understanding with the University System of Maryland to create pathways for all 12 universities to offer programs "behind the walls," and the department is pursuing community college partnerships for training such as commercial driver's license certifications. Scruggs said DPSCS recently hired a community investment director to coordinate reentry resources and estimated roughly 6,000 people reenter Maryland communities from DPSCS custody each year.

On accountability, DLS recommended adding reporting requirements — including notification when correctional medical and pretrial medical contracts are awarded — and proposed that the subcommittee request annual recidivism and Justice Reinvestment Act reports. DPSCS said it concurs with the DLS recommendations and that it has begun implementing changes to address PIA concerns.

The subcommittee did not take a formal vote on additional budget conditions during the hearing; DLS recommended concurrence with the governor's allowance and requested written plans and additional reporting for the committee to review going forward.