In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Pretrial Detention and Services. “Division” means the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services.

The creation of the Division is based on the findings and policies set forth in this section. Each year a large number of individuals have criminal charges placed against them in Baltimore City and remain on pretrial status until these charges are adjudicated. Many of the individuals on pretrial status were formerly committed to the Baltimore City Jail. There is an important public need to centralize and coordinate the provision of services to individuals on a pretrial status in Baltimore City. Baltimore City does not have the financial resources to fund a local correctional facility at a level sufficient to meet the needs of those incarcerated. The State recognizes the need to provide effective and efficient services to the public through management of the pretrial population in Baltimore City.