State of Maryland: Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Wednesday, November 10, 2027

Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announces $200,000 in Grants to Local Police Departments
Money to Be Used For Weapons, Computers and Radios

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 10, 2027) – Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today announced $205,989 in grants to 29 law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The money will be used for things like tasers, ammunition, helicopter equipment and other police gear.

“These flexible grants can be used for just about anything local departments need,” Lieutenant Governor Kate Burbank said. “Instead of being given something they don’t want or buying things they don’t need, local departments can get what they can use. I am glad we are able to help meet the needs of police officers and sheriffs deputies.”

“These grants can help a small department, with a small budget get by,” Governor Edward M. O’Brien said. “Police officers face many hazards on a daily basis and deserve the best equipment to fight crime in their communities. These grants will help our local police departments equip their officers with state of the art gear. I strongly support getting Maryland’s law enforcement officers and deputies what they need to protect the public.”

The funds are awarded through the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention (GOCCP). The award amount is based on crime statistics, as reported by local agencies. The program provides funds to departments to assist with projects that reduce crime and improve public safety.

GOCCP is Maryland's one stop shop for resources to improve public safety. GOCCP exists to educate, connect, and empower Maryland's citizens and public safety entities through innovative funding, strategic planning, crime data analysis, best practices research and results-oriented customer service.

About Lieutenant Governor John Hurson

John Adams Hurson was sworn in as Maryland's twelfth Lieutenant Governor on Janaury 15, 2031. Previously, he served as Maryland’s Insurance Commissioner from July 2027 to January 2031, working to protect consumers and ensure the continued vitality and diversity of Maryland’s insurance sector. Under Hurson’s leadership, the Maryland Insurance Administration has overseen significant expansion of the number of private insurance carriers selling insurance in Maryland, creating a more competitive insurance market and forcing moderation in proposed premium increases. Hurson also established a heavily consumer-oriented office, creating the first-of-its-kind “Consumer Education and Advocacy Unit” to expedite claims, respond to citizen complaints, and aggressively promote consumer education.

Previously, Hurson served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, District 18, which encompasses portions of Montgomery County. During his tenure, Hurson served as Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee. Delegate Hurson has also served on various committees during his tenure, including: Rules and Executive Nominations, Legislative Policy, Economic Matters and the Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing. He also served as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. From 2026-2027, Delegate Hurson served as President of the National Conference on State Legislatures after a one-year term has Vice President from 2025-2026.

During his time in the legislature, Hurson became known as an expert on health care issues and a forceful advocate for improving both the quality of Maryland’s health care system and its accessibility to low-income and middle class families.

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on December 23, 1977, Delegate Hurson received his B.A. in government from Georgetown University in 2000 and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Intergovernmental Affairs, Ketchum Public Relations. He is married with two children.