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Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

Cease Fire Council

History and Responsibilities

The Responsible Gun Safety Act of 2000 (Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2000) established the Cease Fire Council within the Maryland Department of State Police. The law created the Cease Fire Council Grant Program to support efforts that reduce firearm-related crime and violence across Maryland.

The grant program supports initiatives that:

  • Reduce firearm-related violence.
  • Support collaborative and innovative violence reduction strategies.
  • Help law enforcement target individuals who illegally possess firearms.
  • Supplement law enforcement and prosecutor salaries for eligible activities.
  • Fund covert firearm investigations.
  • Support firearm tracing related to criminal investigations.
  • Purchase technology and information systems that strengthen firearm violence reduction efforts.

In 2005, Chapter 217 transferred the Cease Fire Council to the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. The law also requires the Office to provide staff support to the Council.

The Cease Fire Council is chaired by the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police and helps develop programs that reduce firearm-related crime throughout the state.

Grant Program Administration

The Cease Fire Council administers the Gun Violence Reduction Grant (GVRG) Program, which provides funding to support innovative and collaborative strategies to reduce firearm violence.

Working with the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, the Council:

  • Reviews applications for Gun Violence Reduction Grant funding.
  • Recommends funding for projects that help law enforcement agencies and prosecutors develop and implement strategies to reduce firearm-related crime.
  • Meets annually to review statewide needs and identify agencies that may benefit from grant funding.

Membership

  • Martin Hammond, Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy Ceasefire Council Designee
  • Colonel Michael Jackson, Secretary of State Police
  • The Honorable Tara H. Jackson, Prince George’s County Office of State’s Attorney
  • The Honorable Richard H. Gibson, Jr., Howard County Office of State’s Attorney
  • Deputy Secretary Lisa Garry, Department of Juvenile Services
  • Chief of Staff Anthony Gaskins, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
  • Chief Michael A. Spaulding, Maryland Municipal Police Executives Association
  • Derrick Lewis, General Public
  • Major Catherine Medellin, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
  • Sheriff Everett L. Sesker, Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dr. Pallavi Gowda, General Public