Annapolis (July 8, 2009) - County Executive John R. Leopold today offered assistance to District of Columbia juvenile detention officials to make sure that residents living near the New Beginnings Youth Center in Laurel are immediately notified when security breaches occur. "Residents should not have to find out about inmates escaping by seeing helicopters flying over their heads," County Executive Leopold said. "It is up to the District of Columbia government to address serious security issues, but I have offered assistance to arm our citizens with the information they need to keep their families safe." The County has an "E-Alert" system that can be used to send instant automated messages to community associations and residents if breaches occur at Ordnance Road Correctional Center or Jennifer Road Detention Center. In a letter to D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, County Executive Leopold invited Youth Services officials to utilize the e-alert system. County Executive Leopold has also been in contact with the Maryland Congressional Delegation about the possibility of federal legislation requiring that any District of Columbia correctional facility meet the minimum standards set for Maryland correctional institutions. | 
