Outline of the state of Maryland
State
Maryland
Required

Category
Gang Prevention

Category
Gang Prevention

State law requires the adoption of comprehensive gang prevention and intervention policies addressing multiple components.

Maryland Code 7-424.2. Gangs and gang activity

(d) Policy or regulations by local school system. --

  • (1) Each local school system shall establish a policy or regulations to address gangs, gang activity, and similar destructive or illegal group behavior in schools based on the model policy.
  • (2) The policy or regulations shall address the components of the model policy specified in subsection (c) of this section.
  • (3) Each local school system shall develop the policy or regulations in consultation with representatives of the following groups:
  • (i) Parents or guardians of students;
  • (ii) School employees and administrators;
  • (iii) School volunteers;
  • (iv) Students;
  • (v) Local law enforcement;
  • (vi) Gang prevention and intervention programs;
  • (vii) The Office of the Public Defender;
  • (viii) The Maryland State's Attorneys Association; and
  • (ix) Members of the community.

(e) Policy or regulations by local school system -- Submission to State Superintendent. -- Each local school system shall submit its policy or regulations to the State Superintendent by September 1, 2011.

(f) Policy or regulations by local school system -- Publication. -- Each local school system shall publicize its policy or regulations in student handbooks, on school system websites, and at any other location or venue the local school system determines is necessary or appropriate.

(g) Policy or regulations by local school system -- Education programs. -- Each local school system shall develop the following educational programs in its efforts to address gangs, gang activity, and similar destructive or illegal group behavior in schools:

  • (1) An educational gang awareness program for students, staff, volunteers, and parents; and
  • (2) A teacher and administrator development program that trains teachers and administrators to implement the policy or regulations.

(h) Reporting of gang activity. --

  • (1) A school employee shall report any incidence of suspected gang activity or similar destructive or illegal group behavior promptly to the principal and, for a school that has a school security officer, to the school security officer.
  • (2) The principal and the school security officer may take appropriate action to maintain a safe and secure school environment, including the provision of appropriate intervention services.
Policy Type
Statute