REGIONAL DETENTION CENTERS 383

"Mr. Cannon thinks the proposal will be practical, not only for
Southern Maryland but also for other areas of the State where coun-
ties may want to join in such an effort, " Governor Agnew said.

"Such detention centers could relieve State correctional institutions
of many inmates committed for minor crimes, and would also serve as
a center for prisoners on work-release programs. It would enable
those detained for non-support, for example, to work in the area and
be confined overnight and on weekends. "

Mr. Cannon advised the Governor that the plan would be the first
of its kind in the nation and said officials of the Federal Bureau of
Prisons expressed a keen interest and willingness to assist in planning
such facilities. There is a good possibility, he said, of obtaining Fed-
eral aid to supplement the 50-50 sharing costs now required for the
State with any county which wants to construct a new jail or make
improvements.

A 1966 State law requires the Department of Correction to set mini-
mum standards and make annual inspections of jails, and a 1967 law
created within the Department the new position of jail programming
and inspection officer. Mr. Cannon said this official will work with
local authorities in planning such facilities and recruiting competent
personnel to man and operate them.

The Governor said authorities in several other counties which have
critical jail problems have expressed an interest in the regional de-
tention center idea, and that these possibilities are also being ex-
plored by State correctional officials.

"I compliment the officials of Southern Maryland, who conceived of
this approach to a common problem and who have furnished other
excellent examples of regional cooperation through their Tri-County
Council, " Governor Agnew said.

"The Commissioner of Correction has my approval to further ex-
plore and develop this innovative plan that will benefit the State as
well as its counties, and to extend it to other areas of Maryland that
show a similar interest. "