The St. Mary's County Equity Task Force, comprised of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, the St. Mary's County Health Department, and the St. Mary's County Public Schools is announcing plans for the launch of a new Community Corrections Center.

The Community Corrections Center will advance equity in public safety, health, and education. Non-violent offenders involved in the criminal justice system will have expanded access to behavioral health evaluation and treatment, including mental health and substance use disorders. A variety of community partners will collaborate in the Center to address gaps in health care, education, and other life needs in order to support meaningful rehabilitation and mitigate factors contributing to crime. The new facility also allows for continued medical and behavioral health services to the detention center and pre-trial release populations while meeting the safety recommendations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Detention and Rehabilitation Center have been recognized as a state and national leader for its successful pre-trial services program, which allows certain offenders to continue working while incarcerated or to receive medical services," Sheriff Tim Cameron said. "We recognize that incarceration of our community members alone is not the answer. A comprehensive approach is required to provide increased services to members of our challenged population. The Sheriff's Office, the St. Mary's County Health Department and our public schools are working together to meet these needs."