For the first time since 2003, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has updated its use of force policy. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake recently unveiled the new guidelines designed to ‘de-escalate’ situations and includes context around the ‘sanctity of human life.’ This change comes as the result of an ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice into the policies and procedures of the BPD.
The city of Baltimore was placed under national scrutiny following the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African-American man who died while being transported in a police van. The incident, which sparked a series of protests, led to criminal charges against the six police officers, three of which have been found not guilty of any charges in the case. Testimony began Thursday for the fourth police officer in the Freddie Gray trial.
Warning shots are also prohibited. When it comes to deadly force, it “shall not be used against persons whose conduct is a threat only to themselves.” The amended BPD policy requires officers to intercede and notify a supervisor if they witness other officers applying excessive use of force.
This policy reinforces the responsibility of members to take those steps possible to prevent or stop the illegal or inappropriate use of force by other members. Every member is expected and required to take appropriate action, and to report to a supervisor any situation where that member is aware that another member is using force in violation of the law or BPD policy. The decision to use force may be irrevocable. Many times the decision to use force is made in rapidly unfolding and highly stressful situations. Sound judgment and the appropriate exercise of discretion will be the foundation of decision making in the broad range of possible use of force situations.
During a press conference last week, reported by ABC News Rawlings-Blake said, “Officer safety is paramount and I’ve been assured that the safety of our officer’s is not at risk with the changes that have been made to the use of force policy, in fact our officers are in a better position as a result of these changes.”
Baltimore police and other departments in the region have had difficulties recruiting in the wake of Gray’s death. According to Reuters, Baltimore had 2,634 sworn officers in 2015 which is down almost 200 from the previous year. From the beginning of 2016 to June 9th, the department dipped to 2,445 officers which has been partly attributed to budget cuts. More crimes have been reported since Gray’s death.
The pressure being applied to the department is with intent to bring about more accountability. Implementing reform comes with a hefty price tag. A city budget official told WBAL that the looming DOJ report with recommendations could the city cost between $6 million and $20 million to fund the equipment, training, and technology down the road.
