December 3rd, 2016 by WCBC Radio
A task force recommended Thursday that Maryland lawmakers drastically curtail when the state's juvenile justice system can strip-search young people in its custody. The panel voted 10-9 to ban strip searches unless there is an "articulated, reasonable belief" that a youth is concealing drugs, keys or anything that could be used as a weapon. Such searches could only be authorized by a juvenile detention facility's superintendent, administrator or a designee. The Department of Juvenile Services oversees facilities that detain youths ages 11 to 20. The General Assembly is expected to consider the recommendations during its annual session, which begins in January. The task force of juvenile advocates, public defenders, lawmakers and officials representing the Department of Juvenile Services also plans to present the recommendations to Gov. Larry Hogan.
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