Public Statement in Response to Officer Assault of Civilian on May 29, 2020

The Monitoring Team is aware of the incident last night involving a BPD officer, on video, apparently punching a woman outside BPD HQs after the woman appeared to have punched another officer. We have been in touch with Commissioner Harrison about it. We have been informed that BPD immediately suspended the officer and referred the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office for investigation. The Monitoring Team will continue to watch this situation and remains as committed as ever to actively monitoring all situations like this.

Baltimore Sun Article Published December 26, 2019

CRIME In 2020, Baltimore residents will start to see police Consent Decree reforms in action. But delays remain. Baltimore Sun article published December 26, 2019.

Baltimore residents should start to see the Police Department’s consent decree reforms on the street for the first time in 2020, but many key initiatives are delayed as well.

Officers have been trained on a new use of force policy this year, and they are expected to be taught new policies this year on stops, searches and arrests; fair and impartial policing; and behavioral health. More than 200 officers are expected to receive additional week-long training in crisis intervention.

“When those trainings come into play, the community should start to feel benefits,” said Deputy Chief Daniel Murphy, a civilian who was brought to Baltimore earlier this year by Commissioner Michael Harrison to oversee the reform process……………

Notice of Brief Postponement of Final Comment Period for Policy 1809

Exculpatory Evidence Disclosure Requirements

Based on the extensive, thoughtful feedback BPD has received regarding the initial draft of Policy 1809, Exculpatory Evidence Disclosure Requirements, as well as discussions BPD has had with prosecuting authorities about providing prosecutors secure, confidential, electronic access to BPD's disciplinary records database, BPD needs more time to work with the Monitoring Team and the Department of Justice to revise the draft policy and issue a final draft for additional public comment. Accordingly, the deadline to release the final draft policy for additional public comment has been extended to August 13. This second and final comment period will run through August 27.