Baltimore Police Release Policy Cheat Sheet For Officers
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Since the arrest and death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore City police have faced heavy criticism across the city. Now, the department is looking to hold officers more accountable.
Rick Ritter has an inside look at a new manual for police to better serve the community.
The Baltimore police commissioner says he wants the city to know the department is not hiding from criticism, it is responding to it.
The manual focuses on core topics, including the use of force and other orders that have been highlighted in the trials for the six officers charged in the arrest and death of Freddie Gray.
It's been a year of scrutiny for Baltimore City police. The arrest and death of Freddie Gray led to protests and riots and put the department in the spotlight.
"A culmination of things, and a culmination of deficiencies over time," said Commissioner Kevin Davis, Baltimore Police Department.
Commissioner Kevin Davis wants to address the criticism front and center.
"We're not standing still or treading water, we're not just listening to criticism, we're responding to it by becoming better," said Davis.
Each officer will soon be equipped with a new Core Operating Policies, or COP, manual they're required to carry.
Of the 208 rules and procedures within the department, it features 26 of the most crucial, including new orders on the use of force.
"It runs everything from use of force to handling prisoners to non-bias policing," said Jason Johnson, director of strategic development.
Deficiencies pointed out by prosecutors and defense attorneys in the trials of the six officers charged in Freddie Gray's arrest and death.
"I understand the recent current events and the dots are connected with these announcements, but it's bigger than recent events," said Davis.
The manual eliminates any confusion about the department's expectations, meaning accountability for officers is now greater than ever.
"I don't want to make it inexcusable for police officers, I want to make it inexcusable for us, I don't want us to have that excuse available," the commissioner said.
Officers will be trained on one of the 26 core policies each pay period, with 26 pay periods throughout the year.
Police tell WJZ the manual will be assigned as a piece of equipment. Officers are expected to carry them in their vehicles.
Police hope to implement the new manual by July 1, and plan on making it available to the public online.
