Baltimore police make progress on compliance with consent decree, DOJ says
BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Police Department is making progress on improvements under a Federal Consent Decree, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a new joint filing.
The police department is in full compliance with the requirements of three additional sections of the consent decree related to protected free speech activities, community oversight, and coordination with the Baltimore City schools police, the DOJ reports.
If the judge signs off on that motion at January's meeting, the Baltimore Police Department would need to maintain compliance for a full year before the court can check off those parts of the consent decree.
The Justice Department started investigating BPD after the 2015 Freddie Gray uprising. Gray died a week after he was arrested on Presbury Street in Baltimore. The consent decree has been implemented since 2017.
According to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, this milestone underscores the police department's continued transformation amid historic reductions in violent crime.
"I have said over and over again: constitutional policing and public safety are not mutually exclusive," Scott said. "Instead, when done right, they go hand in hand. That is why we are so proud to be on the verge of yet another milestone with BPD's remarkable transformation while simultaneously achieving historic reductions in violent crime. My thanks goes out to all of the men and women of the Department that are making real, meaningful police reform in Baltimore a reality."
Progress made
Before the consent decree, the DOJ identified numerous First Amendment violations, citing how BPD interfered with civilians' ability to engage in protest activity.
The court-appointed monitor has since observed that BPD has completely overhauled its policies, practices, and procedures regarding the First Amendment, particularly in handling protests and public assemblies, according to the DOJ. This progress was most evident during the 2020 George Floyd protests when, unlike other cities that saw widespread unrest, BPD served as a model by working with and safeguarding the rights of protesters, the report shows.
"I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by all our officers in transforming our department and achieving a significant reduction in violent crime, all while navigating severe staffing shortages," said Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley. "Our members are committed to implementing these reforms, while also rebuilding trust with our communities. Together we are building a stronger and safer Baltimore for all."
As part of the consent decree, BPD was tasked with monitoring and assessing its collaboration with the Baltimore City School Police Force. The Department has met its requirements by fostering a collaborative partnership that furthers its mission to protect Baltimore City youth, according to the DOJ.
Additionally, the City has fulfilled its obligations regarding the Community Oversight Task Force, a precursor to the Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee now mandated by state law, according to the DJO.
"We know the Department's history, but that is not its present or its future," said Baltimore City Solicitor Ebony Thompson. "We have an obligation to make sure our residents should see their Police Department and City Government as an asset, not something to be afraid of. By following the law and respecting the Constitution, we have an opportunity to fulfill that commitment to our residents."