Maryland governor to sign bills on policing, community relations
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is signing measures aimed at improving policing and community relations, but advocates for greater police accountability say lawmakers missed opportunities to do more.
The bills Hogan is signing Tuesday were approved before the death of Freddie Gray, who was fatally injured in Baltimore police custody last month.
One measure directs a commission to develop a body camera policy. Another requires authorities to report information about deaths in police custody to the governor's office.
A variety of police accountability bills didn't pass. Sara Love, the public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, says advocates are disappointed lawmakers mostly avoided tough challenges.
After Gray's death and unrest in Baltimore, lawmakers announced that a panel will study the issues and make recommendations for next year.
Last week, Attorney General Loretta Lynch thanked members of the Baltimore Police Department for their work after more than a week of riots and protests following Grays' death.
"I have watched the police of this city, and I know that there are difficulties. I know that we have struggles, and we are here to help you work through those struggles in the way that will hopefully be the best and most productive way for this department. But to all of you who are on the front lines, I just want to say thank you," Lynch said.