Mayor Brandon Scott today announced today that Karl Racine, a former D.C. Attorney General, will lead will the city’s review of the Side-Step Program.

SideStep, a youth diversion initiative that operated under the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), was being investigated by Baltimore Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming when Scott’s Law Department abruptly cut off her office’s access to city government records last January.

A team from Hogan Lovells Cadwalader, working under Racine, a partner in the firm, will examine Side-Step alongside the forensic firm Baker Tilly, Scott’s office said.

Baker Tilly’s involvement in a planned review of Side-Step was disclosed in May when Scott previewed legislation that would strip away the independence of the Office of the Inspector General. The review was part of a four-step plan that Scott said would enhance “oversight and transparency.”

• Mayor Scott previews legislation that cripples the independence of Baltimore’s inspector general (5/13/26)

Today’s press release said Racine and his team will work alongside Baker Tilly, “drawing on his extensive experience in local government, public investigations and accountability measures.”

“As a former elected official who has championed public health approaches as a key pillar of public safety policies, I am grateful for the opportunity to take part in this review,” Racine is quoted saying in the release.

“While Baltimore has prioritized violence reduction and has seen success in its efforts, it is important to ensure that MONSE is performing at its absolute best to further strengthen that mission,” his statement continued.

Racine expects to complete the review within 90 days and present findings to the mayor, City Council “and ultimately the public.”

The team’s mandate from Scott was described as “to conduct a thorough, extensive review of this program, its practices and its role in the broader public safety system.”

The statement went on to promise “an objective and fact-based assessment of the program, promoting transparency and accountability for Baltimore residents regarding how MONSE is delivering results and maintaining good stewardship of City funds.”

“We will also seek to identify best practices and make recommendations that can help strengthen the program and support its mission,” today’s statement continued, asserting that the team was being given “all the tools necessary to perform an independent and comprehensive examination without interference.”

Retainer Agreement

As for how much money the city is spending on the Side-Step review, the press release doesn’t say.

But it notes that Hogan Lovells Cadwalader has entered into a retainer agreement that establishes Racine and his team as outside counsel for the City of Baltimore.

“Under these parameters, the review team will be able to access all documents necessary in the course of their research,” the statement continues. “The mayor’s office and executive administration will not play a role in directing or influencing the course of the examination.”

Racine expects to complete the review within 90 days and present findings to the mayor, City Council “and ultimately the public.”