City Council Hearing: Legislative Investigations; April 30, 2026

The City Council Hearing held by the CharmTV Citizens' Hub on April 30, 2026, focused on the status and modernization of Baltimore's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, a critical infrastructure for emergency response coordination. The new Chief Information Officer, TJ Mayot, presented on the aging 20-year-old CAD system, the secured $12 million in federal and state funding for its replacement, and the rigorous procurement process planned, including a detailed RFP, vendor evaluations, and integration with over 33 existing systems. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining the current system's reliability during the transition and ensuring the new system supports expanded 911 diversion and accessibility features. Public testimony highlighted the urgent need for a reliable CAD system to prevent failures in crisis response, with calls for accountability and improved crisis intervention. The council committed to receiving updates on the procurement progress and stressed the importance of user involvement and thorough testing to avoid past implementation issues.