* 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: Councilmembers Scott and Schleifer
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Calling For An Expansive Auxiliary Police Program in Baltimore
For the purpose of calling for an expansive Auxiliary Police Program and the expanded use of telephone and online crime reporting in Baltimore.
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Recitals
Historically the Baltimore Police Department has had over 3,000 sworn members with over 1,000 of them being in patrol. However, today the number of officers assigned to patrol has fallen to around 700. The shortage of patrol officers in Baltimore has been well documented over the past year. Officers are being drafted for mandatory overtime everyday just to meet basic patrol needs for the city.
However, despite this reality, the city has not altered the way the Department operates even amidst a historic increase in violent crimes.
In cities across the country, police departments use auxiliary police as a force multiplier. Traffic accidents, special event traffic, monitoring city watch cameras, and taking reports of minor crimes like larceny from auto or vandalism are just a few ways auxiliary police are used. These volunteer hours free up officers to focus on being proactive on violent crime.
This year Baltimore had 4,137 reports of larceny from automobiles through September 9th, as well as 20,808 minor accidents and 3,919 reports of destruction of property through September 11th; and countless hours of police overtime for traffic at special events. With a functioning Auxiliary Police component many of these incidents could have been covered by auxiliary units freeing up sworn officers to focus on the crime in our communities.
In addition, cities across the country use Telephone Reporting Units and Online Crime Reporting programs to take reports of minor crimes. In partnership with the City Council, the Baltimore Police Department announced this program in 2013, but has not fully implemented its use. Knowing the issues with resources and the state of crime in the city, it is time the City fully utilized this option.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council calls for an expansive Auxiliary Police Program and the expanded use of telephone and online crime reporting in Baltimore.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Police Commissioner, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.