‘The juvenile system is broken,’ Bates, Worley talk repeat juvenile offenders

Baltimore, MD (WBFF) — Police and prosecutors across the State of Maryland have voiced their concerns surrounding the handling of crimes committed by juveniles.

During a press conference this week, the Baltimore City Police Commissioner and Baltimore City State’s Attorney were asked about repeat juvenile offenders and the overall juvenile justice system.

“We talk about it and we keep talking about it,” said BPD Commissioner Richard Worley. “We keep arresting the same juveniles and it’s an ongoing issue.”

Commissioner Worley said his officers continue to arrest the same juveniles.

“My men and women go out, make the arrest, turn it over to the Department of Juvenile Services and then they do what they do with the juvenile,” said Worley.

“Is that not enough then?” questioned Alexa Ashwell

“No, not for me. If I keep arresting the same individual, it’s not enough,” said Worley.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates also stepped to the podium and revealed the result of his own, recent research.

“One of the things that I did about two weeks ago, I looked, I think we had four or five juveniles charged with either attempted murders or murders, very violent crimes. Then I look a little deeper and I see almost every single one of these young people had a case in the juvenile system. So, the juvenile had the opportunity to correct the behavior. So that tells me something is wrong with the system.”

The State’s Attorney didn’t specify which cases he was referred to.

Two weeks ago, Baltimore Police announced the arrest of a 16-year-old male for the murder of Quinton McLellan who was fatally shot in February 2026.

ALSO READ | Police say juvenile charged with murder committed crimes before and after killing

BPD revealed the juvenile was and had been in juvenile booking for months when officers served him with the arrest warrant for murder for another crime.

Specifically, for a handgun violation and auto theft.

The Department confirmed the juvenile had in fact been arrested for crimes both before and after the murder of McLellan.

ALSO READ | Dozens of juvenile arrests announced across greater Baltimore since June

In another case last month, Baltimore Police charged a 17-year-old male with attempted murder following a double shooting in west Baltimore.

“I think as we’re here on the front line, you’ve got to ask the members who make the laws,” said Bates.

Bates said he believes lawmakers are finally starting to listen to their constituents, but more work needs to be done to change the juvenile justice system.

“Why are we putting them in a broken system?” asked Bates. “And if we sit and fix the system and give young people the services they really need and understand, the psychological service, the mental health services, the educational services, and really build a system that supports young people, then that’s a true investment.”