Howard County State's Attorney's Office 2024 Year in Review

This video illustrates the incredible work our office has done throughout the year. As the year draws to a close, we at the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our loyal followers on social media, and the residents of Howard County for your unwavering support throughout 2024. Your engagement and encouragement fuel our commitment to justice and community service, and we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and progress toward making the Howard County SAO the best in the state.
This year has been marked by significant milestones and impactful initiatives:
Community Engagement:
• We participated in more than a dozen county-wide events and over 20 community forums, strengthening our connection with residents and fostering meaningful dialogues.
• Our office hosted job networking events at Howard Community College, along with internships and shadowing opportunities for students, offering valuable insights into the justice system and career pathways.
Legislative Advocacy:
• During the legislative sessions in Annapolis, we actively testified for and against key bills, ensuring our community’s voice was heard on critical legal issues.
Prosecution and Training:
• Our prosecutors handled thousands of cases, resulting in over 12,000 dispositions (sentences).
• We prioritized professional development by participating in various trainings and serving as trainers for law enforcement officials, arson investigators, judges, and insurance investigators, among others.
Innovative Programs and Partnerships:
• We celebrated the launch of the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), expanding vital services to Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.
• Our office proudly participated in the 40th Howard County Recovery Court Commencement Celebration, underscoring our commitment to reducing the adverse impacts of repeat drug and alcohol offenses on our community.
• In partnership with the Opioid Community Collaborative Council (OCCC), Tides of Change Wellness, and the Howard County Government, we introduced DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) classes to support community wellness.
• We continued our work with the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, which focuses on reducing recidivism and supporting individuals in need.
Recognition and Leadership:
• State’s Attorney Rich Gibson delivered presentations at the first annual Criminal Law University, offering prosecutorial expertise to District Court judges, and shared insights on soft skills and leadership at the National District Attorneys Association’s 2024 Leadership Academy.
• Mr. Gibson also addressed the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association’s Wardens and Deputy Wardens Executive Development Program.
• Our office received the ADL’s 2024 SHIELD Award for prosecuting a hate-bias incident from 2023, reflecting our steadfast commitment to justice and equality.
Advocacy and Awareness:
• We supported vital causes, including Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Wear Orange to End Gun Violence Day, amplifying efforts to bring about meaningful change.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue increasing our community engagement and expanding opportunities for residents to learn about the work we do. Together, we can ensure that Howard County remains a safe and thriving community for all.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Rich Gibson
State’s Attorney
Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office