358 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

minimum obligations to assume and maximum responsibilities avail-
able for those courageous enough to volunteer.

Unlike foreign wars, the State and local governments will direct
the course of battle in this domestic war upon crime. The Federal
government will provide support and suggest direction, but primary
responsibility for community tranquility remains vested in the State
government. Therefore, the relative success of combat will depend on
the ability of State leadership and the intensity of community support.

There are two levels on which the government can and must attack
crime. The first is the elimination of underlying causes through en-
vironmental rehabilitation. But the struggle against poverty, slums,
ignorance and prejudice — by its overwhelming scope — is slow and
gradual.

The second level, while no less ambitious and complex, can be
achieved more rapidly. This is the strengthening, reform and revitali-
zation of our State and local law enforcement agencies, our correc-
tional institutions, our criminal judiciary system.

Maryland's administration is committed to a vigorous campaign to
combat crime. A total war effort requires dollars, troops, modern
weapons, a professional staff to analyze the enemy and formulate battle
strategy. Your State government has mobilized comparable resources.

In an unprecedented action, almost $16 million in direct State
aid has been granted Maryland's political subdivisions exclusively to
improve police protection. The significance of this sum becomes ap-
parent when it is compared to the $50 million appropriated in the
President's Safe Streets bill of 1967. The Federal government has al-
located an average of $1 million per state; your State government
has allocated an average of $650, 000 per county.

Automatic electronic relay equipment is the new and vital weapon.
The State Police and the Baltimore City Police Department are con-
verting to computerized systems. Consequently, manpower will be de-
ployed where it is most needed — on the streets.

On July I, 1967, Maryland became one of but six states in the na-
tion to require that minimum training standards be met by all police
personnel; thus we may expect uniform, effective performance from
our troops.

A Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of
Justice has been appointed to concentrate upon comprehensive reform