DOJ Asked To Review Baltimore PD

[marmar]

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore officials are looking for a U.S. Justice Department review of the city police department's procedures and policies after several cases of use of force by officers have resulted in millions of dollars in legal settlements and public outcry.

Commissioner Anthony W. Batts announced Friday that he was asking for a review. The move was backed by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who said in an emailed statement that she welcomed any partners willing to work in reducing excessive force complaints. A day earlier, City Council President Bernard Young sent a letter to outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asking federal officials to take a look at the department.

Young wrote that cases of people not charged with crimes suffering injuries at the hands of arresting officers "damage the fragile relationship between the city's police officers and citizens."

Since Batts was appointed in September 2012, he said he has disciplined roughly 30 officers found guilty of misconduct. The cases that resulted in millions in payouts came before Batts became commissioner. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/04/baltimore-police-doj-review_n_5931464.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013&ir=Politics

[malthaussen]

1. "Better stop abusing our citizens, it's costing us money!"

I guess if it wasn't for civil suits, we'd have no civilization at all.

-- Mal