Secretary Vincent Schiraldi of the Department of Juvenile Services is set to face lawmakers in Annapolis this Wednesday for the first time this legislative session, amid growing concerns over juvenile crime and the department’s handling of the issue. This session comes at a time when scrutiny and calls for accountability have reached new heights.
The Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability is currently reviewing the department, and Schiraldi has been feeling the heat since last year. Despite this, he maintains that juvenile crime isn’t as out of control as it may seem, urging people to fact-check the information they’re hearing.
However, not everyone agrees with him. John Berardi, a victim of assault and robbery who now lives with permanent vision loss in one eye, has taken matters into his own hands. He sent a letter to Governor Moore, asking for Schiraldi’s resignation. “The system keeps releasing juveniles who’ve committed violent acts—some of them after multiple carjackings and repeat offenses,” Berardi said. “This can’t go on. We can’t have these offenders back on the streets, knowing they’ll keep doing the same things.”
Berardi is still waiting for a response from Governor Moore, whom he believes has the power to make changes at the Department of Juvenile Services. “The governor oversees all these organizations. He’s the one who can make things happen,” Berardi added.
Schiraldi’s resignation isn’t just being called for by Berardi. Community groups, law enforcement, and the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus have also voiced their concerns. As Schiraldi prepares to testify on Wednesday at 10 a.m., it’s clear that the pressure is mounting, and all eyes will be on what happens next.
