For Immediate Release:
August 10, 2016
For More Information:
Jazzmen Knoderer
410-269-8818
MDP STATEMENT ON DOJ PROBE OF BALTIMORE CITY POLICE PRACTICES
Annapolis, Md. – Maryland Democratic Party executive director Chuck Conner today released the following statement in response to the Department of Justice probe into the practices of the Baltimore City Police Department:
“The Department of Justice report into the practices of the Baltimore City Police Department validates what many in Baltimore believed to be true: When officers operate outside the law, their actions are a threat to the lives and safety of residents. Regardless of zip code, residents of our state deserve a police department they can trust and rely on to keep their neighborhoods safe. Unfortunately, the findings in this report show some officers routinely abused their position of power to intimidate and harm members of the communities they are sworn to serve and protect.
There are many hardworking officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our streets safe. However, their work is undermined by unconstitutional and structurally racist practices that allow bad actors to evade consequences. Until this is remedied, the institution of policing will remain compromised. It is our hope that Commissioner Davis, Baltimore’s City Council and the city’s next mayor will take swift action to adopt practices that restore trust and ensure equal protection under our nation’s laws.”
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