Introduced by: Councilmember Scott
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
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United States Department of Justice Consent Decree with the City of Baltimore Regarding the Baltimore Police Department
For the purpose of calling on the Department of Justice to include certain provisions in its Consent Decree with the City of Baltimore to ensure that the agreement includes the best thoughts and suggestions from all in Baltimore.
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Recitals
Baltimore City’s Police Department has been criticized for decades about extreme deficiencies in how it operates in Baltimore. While thoroughly discussed, this was never truly documented until the release of the recent Department of Justice Pattern and Practice report on the Baltimore Police Department. Racial bias, civil rights violations, gender bias, policy deficiencies, and lack of community policing are just a few areas highlighted in the report.
In order to have a Consent Decree that will represent the needs of the entire City of Baltimore, and truly set a frame for rebuilding the relationship between the Baltimore Police Department and the community, the following must be included:
(1) increased civilian oversight;
(2) a release of the names of officers mentioned in report;
(3) increased Police Department transparency;
(4) community policing;
(5) training and policy reform;
(6) officer support investments; and
(7) technology investments.
These 7 items represent many of the most critical areas in need of repair. A failure to address each of these needed reforms will hinder any progress in repairing the relationship between the Baltimore Police Department and Baltimore’s citizens.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council calls on the Department of Justice to include certain provisions in its Consent Decree with the City of Baltimore to ensure that the agreement includes the best thoughts and suggestions from all in Baltimore.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the United States Attorney General, the Police Commissioner, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.