BALTIMORE (WBFF) — The City of Baltimore announced it is bringing in an outside legal team led by former D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine to help conduct an independent review of the city’s MONSE SideStep Program.
This comes as Mayor Brandon Scott pushes a broader oversight and transparency plan amid an ongoing dispute involving the Office of the Inspector General.
Racine and his team will join the review effort and work alongside Baker Tilly.
Tilly’s role was previously outlined in the mayor’s May 13, 2026, announcement of a four-part package of reforms to the OIG.
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“As a former elected official who has championed public health approaches as a key pillar of public safety policies, I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this review. While Baltimore has prioritized violence reduction and has seen success in its efforts, it is important to ensure that MONSE is performing at its absolute best to further strengthen that mission,” Racine said in a press release. “In agreeing to take on this project, the directive from Mayor Scott and the City Law Department has been clear: that my team, in partnership with the team from Baker Tilly, conduct a thorough, extensive review of this program, its practices, and its role in the broader public safety system.”
Racine said the review will be aimed at transparency, accountability, and recommendations for improvement. “Our work will focus on providing an objective and fact-based assessment of the program, promoting transparency and accountability for Baltimore residents regarding how MONSE is delivering results and maintaining good stewardship of City funds.”
Racine further added, “We will also seek to identify best practices and make recommendations that can help strengthen the program and support its mission. We appreciate the City’s support and commitment to providing us with all the tools necessary to perform an independent and comprehensive examination without interference.”
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The city said Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has entered into a retainer agreement establishing Racine and his team as outside counsel for Baltimore.
Under the agreement, the review team will have access to all documents necessary for its research.
The city stated that the mayor’s office and executive administration will not direct or influence the investigation.
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