A quick article from The Frederick News-Post Online:

State will release inmates closer to their homes

TOWSON — Prison officials say they are adopting a policy to ensure that inmates are released closer to their homes, although a department study showed most newly released inmates return home anyway.

Elected officials in western Maryland had pushed for the policy, citing public concerns that inmates freed from the region’s prisons might settle there, creating a crime problem.

Under the policy announced today, inmates will be transported to their home jurisdictions before they are released. Governor Martin O’Malley said the policy has the advantage of putting the released inmates closer to their families and to post-release resources and services.

 
FINALLY.
 
On more than one occasion, a random person has knocked on my door looking for a ride/bus fare/free drugs/cab fare to get home from jail. Okay, one of those times it was a friend of mine but that’s besides the point. I mean, what the hell man? Do they just kick people out the front door of the courthouse when they’re done with them? Do they go flying through the saloon doors like in old Westerns? I just can’t fathom how that’s a good idea. Hey here’s a convicted criminal, let’s let him wander Towson at night and make him use his street savvy to get home so that he can get a good job and get his life back on track. What is this, a bad reality show?
 
I mean, congratulations on coming up with this policy change. It’s only *looks at watch* about 50 years overdue.