Md., Del. to share information on violent offenders

Gov. Martin O'Malley and Delaware Gov. Jack Markell announced Thursday an effort to better share information about violent offenders, adding another jurisdiction to the state's regional partnerships.

The new agreement, announced at Salisbury University, will allow parole and probation officials and police in both states to exchange information about daily arrests, and enable the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation to take action if a suspect from Maryland violates the terms of his release in Delaware. In many cases, parole and probation agents previously relied on offenders to report the violations themselves.

Officials say the agreement will also help prioritize warrant service and track youth monitored by the Department of Juvenile Services.

"Criminals and crime have no boundaries," Markell said in a statement. "It's our responsibility to work together across state lines and share information that can benefit citizens of both states, especially as technology allows us to know and do more."

O'Malley announced a similar agreement with Virginia and Washington DC in 2008, which Kristen Mahoney, director of the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, said continues.

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