In a significant move aimed at combating gun violence and improving public safety, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland signed a bill this week to establish the state's first-ever Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention. This initiative, operating under the Maryland Department of Health, aims to consolidate and enhance the state's approach to preventing gun violence.

According to a press release from the governor's office, the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention will work in collaboration with local governments, advocates, and medical professionals engaged in violence intervention programs. The objective is to build upon Maryland's pioneering gun violence intervention programs and ensure they receive sufficient funding and are guided by the best available data.

Governor Moore emphasized that Maryland is the first state in the nation to adopt a statewide agency dedicated to tackling gun violence. Speaking to reporters, the governor stated, "Maryland became the first state in the nation to officially answer President Biden's call."

The establishment of the Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention follows the footsteps of President Biden, who established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention in 2023. The center's formation represents a proactive measure taken by Maryland to address the pressing issue of gun violence.

Governor Moore also signed the Growing Apprenticeships and Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act, aimed at better funding police departments in the state. This act proposes short and long-term actions to address challenges faced by police departments in hiring and retaining officers. The bill seeks to reform the existing apprenticeship model for public safety officials and establish a model policy for law enforcement officer wellness programs.

The urgency for these measures can be seen in the context of Baltimore's ongoing struggle with escalating crime rates. According to the Baltimore Police Department's website, since the beginning of 2024, there have been over 1,800 aggravated assaults, 1,200 robberies, as well as 155 shootings and 62 homicides.

Governor Moore made public safety the top priority upon assuming office, recognizing the need for a different approach to combat the gun violence epidemic. In a statement, he emphasized, "Today, we make Maryland safer by signing bills to support victims, build stronger pipelines to law enforcement jobs, and tackle the gun violence epidemic, head-on."

While progress has been made, Governor Moore acknowledged that there is still a long way to go. Maryland remains committed to an all-encompassing approach to public safety and will continue to address the challenges posed by gun violence.