* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: President Rawlings-Blake
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Community Task Force on Police Auxiliary Assistance
FOR the purpose of creating a Community Task Force to develop a Police Auxiliary Unit that will provide civilians, retired law enforcement officers, and off-duty police officers to assist or replace police officers in the performance of those duties that can be performed by others, including persons without law enforcement training, to free up Baltimore City police officers to return to crime reduction activities in Baltimore's imperiled neighborhoods.
Body
Recitals
The National Police Athletics/Activities Leagues, Inc., states that PAL programs across the country have been created as a youth crime prevention program that utilizes educational, athletic, and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youths, based on the conviction that young people - if they are reached early enough - can develop strong positive attitudes towards police officers in their journey through life toward the goals of maturity and good citizenship. The PAL program brings youth under the supervision and positive influence of a law enforcement agency and expands public awareness about the role of a police officer and the reinforcement of the responsible values and attitudes instilled in young people by their parents.
The Baltimore City Police Athletic League program, begun in 1995, is known as a national model for the PAL program, reducing victimization and juvenile crime by allowing young people to interact with police officers in a positive setting, while participating in constructive alternatives to anti-social behavior and boredom. Working and serving as role models and mentors, Police Officers, Community Service Officers, parents, and volunteers create a "healthy" atmosphere that fosters trust and mutual respect between youth and adult authority figures. There are on average 2 PAL centers in each of the 9 Police Districts - the Southeastern District has 1, and there are 3 in the Southern District.
The staffing patterns at the Baltimore PAL centers currently provide for 2 officers in each center - 12 of the 18 centers are staffed by 1 sworn officer and 1 retired officer, with the other 6 centers being staffed by 2 sworn officers. PAL center and departmental rules mandate that at least 1 sworn officer be on the premises at all times when the centers are open.
The Community Task Force on Police Auxiliary Assistance is formed to offer assistance in instances, such as those of PAL center staffing. By providing 2 person replacement teams of 1 retired police officer coupled with another qualified civilian, the Task Force will create the opportunity for sworn officers to return to active crime reduction activities against violent criminals in our City neighborhoods.
The Community Task Force on Police Auxiliary Assistance will include, but not be limited to:
• the Baltimore Police Commissioner or a designee;
• a member of the general public from each City Council District; and
• the Director of Recreation and Parks or a designee.
The creation of this Task Force is a tangible demonstration of the communities' belief that fighting crime is a shared responsibility and not just the duty of sworn officers who risk their lives to protect and serve. By working together to find ways to assist the police, the community is making an investment in securing a better quality of life in the present and a safe and secure existence in the future - an outcome in which everyone in Baltimore City shares an equal vested interest.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That the Community Task Force is created to develop a Police Auxiliary Unit that will provide civilians, retired law enforcement officers, and off-duty police officers to assist or replace police officers in the performance of those duties that can be performed by others, including persons without law enforcement training, to free up Baltimore City police officers to return to crime reduction activities in Baltimore's imperiled neighborhoods.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Baltimore City Police Commissioner, the Director of Recreation and Parks, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
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