Misplaced Pages

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115-467: Others: On April 12, 2015, Freddie Carlos Gray Jr. , a 25-year-old African American, was arrested by the Baltimore Police Department for possession of a knife. While in police custody, Gray sustained fatal injuries and was taken to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center . Gray's death on April 19, 2015, was ascribed to injuries to his cervical spinal cord . Pending an investigation of

230-577: A CVS drug store, culminating with a state of emergency declaration by Governor Larry Hogan , Maryland National Guard deployment to Baltimore, and the establishment of a curfew. On May 3, the National Guard started withdrawing from Baltimore, and on that night the curfew on the city was lifted. In September 2015, it was decided that there would be separate trials for the accused. The trial against Officer William Porter ended in mistrial. Officers Nero, Goodson, and Rice were acquitted. The charges against

345-436: A US$ 250,000 bail. The false imprisonment charges were dropped by the grand jury, but an indictment of reckless endangerment was added. Judge Williams found Nero not guilty of all charges on May 23, 2016. Miller's trial date was set for July 27, 2016. At his pretrial hearing on July 27, 2016, however, all charges against Miller, Porter and White were dropped. Rice was the officer who initially made eye contact with Gray while on

460-472: A US$ 350,000 bail. The grand jury indicted White on all charges and added an indictment of reckless endangerment. White's trial date was originally set for October 13, 2016. On July 27, 2016, all charges against her were dropped. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced on May 8 , 2015, that the Department of Justice would conduct a review of the current practices of Baltimore Police Department on account of

575-557: A state of emergency , and activated the Maryland National Guard . Hogan also activated 500 state troopers for duty in Baltimore and requested an additional 5,000 police officers from other locales. At a press conference, Baltimore's mayor announced there would be a citywide curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 am. School trips were canceled until mid-May, and Baltimore's city schools were closed on April 28. In addition, both

690-472: A 'switchblade knife' prohibited under state laws. In 2018, New York's highest court sustained a criminal conviction for possession of a switchblade against a defendant found in possession of an assisted-opening knife. In 2019, the Offensive Weapons Act prohibiting automatic flick knives was amended to prohibit: “(a)any knife which has a blade which opens automatically—(i)from the closed position to

805-410: A Virginia couple for asking for directions to a major highway. The couple, released after seven hours in city jail, were not charged with any crime. They were initially taken into custody for trespassing on a public street. Their vehicle was impounded at the city lot, with windows down and doors unlocked, resulting in theft of several personal items. In 2007, the state of Maryland passed a law requiring

920-406: A bicycle patrol. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter; two counts of second-degree assault; manslaughter by vehicle (gross negligence); two counts of misconduct in office; and false imprisonment. He posted a US$ 350,000 bail. The false imprisonment charges were dropped by the grand jury, which added an indictment of reckless endangerment. Judge Williams dropped one of the assault charges after

1035-460: A complaint with the bar against Marilyn Mosby for prosecutorial misconduct. In January 2017, a federal judge allowed a lawsuit by five of the six police officers unsuccessfully charged by Mosby. Mosby was being sued for malicious prosecution, defamation, and invasion of privacy. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the lawsuit on the grounds that Mosby had immunity from such charges in May 2018, and

1150-513: A court commissioner. All arrestees in Maryland are required to have an initial appearance before a court commissioner within 24 hours of their arrest. The exposure of these cases led to judicial and legislative action. In 2005, the Maryland Court of Appeals ordered all arrestees not charged within 24 hours to be released. On May 16, 2006, a Baltimore City police officer, Natalie Preston, arrested

1265-471: A criminal record with 18 prior arrests, on drug charges, three separate assault charges, and minor crimes and had spent time in jail. Police encountered Freddie Gray on the morning of April 12, 2015, in the street near Baltimore's Gilmor Homes housing project, an area known to have high levels of home foreclosures, poverty , drug deals, and violent crime . Approximately three weeks prior to the incident, Mosby had requested "enhanced" drug enforcement efforts at

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1380-581: A critical neck injury as a result of being handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained inside the BPD wagon". Mosby said officers had "failed to establish probable cause for Mr. Gray's arrest, as no crime had been committed", and charged officers with false imprisonment , because Gray was carrying a pocket knife of legal size, and not the switchblade police claimed he had possessed at the time of his arrest. All six officers were taken into custody and processed at Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center. Three of

1495-469: A judge had denied the state's attorney's request for a gag order on procedural grounds. On May 1, 2015, after receiving a medical examiner's report ruling Gray's death a homicide , state prosecutors said that they had probable cause to file criminal charges against the six officers involved. State's attorney Marilyn Mosby said that the Baltimore police had acted illegally and that "No crime had been committed" (by Freddie Gray). Mosby said that Gray "suffered

1610-422: A list of "hundreds of officers" who had allegations of misconduct that called their credibility into question. Commissioner James M. Hepbron was subject to a hearing on February 19, 1959, led by Jerome Robinson, Democratic State Delegate for the fourth district. Delegate Robinson had a long history of challenging wiretapping and search warrants, as he believed the practice unconstitutional, against Federal law and

1725-446: A lynch mob". William Murphy, attorney for the Gray family, demanded an "immediate apology and a retraction". Ryan defended his statement two days later, while admitting that the wording was poor. Charles M. Blow of The New York Times , reminded of a column he wrote several years ago, said that comparing protests to lynch mobs was too extreme because it inflames racial tensions by belittling

1840-474: A majority in the mid 20th century. The police department remained dominated by whites; traditionally mostly Irish Americans . During the Civil Rights Movement , trust between the department and the predominantly black city became increasingly strained, as African Americans pressed for fair treatment and social justice. In the 1960s, race riots erupted in Baltimore and other cities. Some positive change

1955-408: A mechanism such as a torsion spring moves along a track in the liner and rapidly rotates the blade into the open and locked position. Although commonly confused with switchblade knives, a switchblade can be opened automatically simply with the push of a button , but the user of an assisted-opening knife must open it about one-quarter of the way (45°) before the mechanism opens the knife the rest of

2070-402: A medic, but did not call for one. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter; second-degree assault; and misconduct in office. Porter posted a US$ 350,000 bail. The grand jury indicted Porter on all charges and added an indictment of reckless endangerment. On December 16, 2015, a mistrial was declared on all charges, after the jury was hung and could not come to a decision. Porter's second trial

2185-483: A music video on YouTube that shows rallies in the aftermath of Gray's death. Janelle Monáe and Wondaland released " Hell You Talmbout " in 2015 and said the names of those killed by the police, including Freddie Gray. Dru Hill dedicated their 2016 song "Change" to Gray. In 2016, Kevin Devine released a song called "Freddie Gray Blues" on his ninth studio album Instigator He then went on to release an acoustic version of

2300-432: A police van by officers, and then stepping up into the van. A bystander with connections to Gray stated that the officers were previously "folding" Gray: one officer bent Gray's legs backwards, and another held Gray down by pressing a knee into his neck. Witnesses commented Gray "couldn't walk", "can't use his legs". Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts noted from the video that "Gray stood on one leg and climbed into

2415-473: A prohibited flick knife. Trade names for assisted-opening knives are: Forward Action Spring Technology, A/O Knife, Torsion Assist Knife, Assisted Knife, Spring Assist Knife, Spring Assisted Knife, Quick Release, Quick Draw, Alternative Automatic, Outburst, SpeedSafe, Blade Launcher, S.A.T (SOG Assisted Technology), and the Semi-Auto. The first assisted opening knife was designed by Blackie Collins in 1995 and

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2530-505: A prosecution witness testified that he "could not say" if there had been a rough ride, and the judge ruled that the prosecution had not presented evidence to back that assumption. Moreover, and as noted by the BBC in December 2015, "Throughout the trial, the prosecution insisted that Mr Porter could have saved Gray's life by restraining him and by calling for medical help after his injury. They described

2645-569: A protest outside the Baltimore Police Department. Three days later, on April 21, 2015, according to Reuters , "[h]undreds of demonstrators gathered in Baltimore", protesting Gray's death. The next day, Gene Ryan, the president of the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police , expressed sympathy for the Gray family, but criticized the "rhetoric of protests" and suggested that "the images seen on television look and sound much like

2760-415: A result of slamming into the inside of the transport van, "apparently breaking his neck; a head injury he sustained matches a bolt in the back of the van". On May 19, 2015, prosecutors asked a judge to place a gag order on attorneys, police, and witnesses of the arrest, arguing that statements by the attorneys of some of the officers charged could prejudice the public. On June 8, 2015, it was announced that

2875-518: A song called "Blues For Freddie Gray" on his New Urban World Blues record. Later the same year, singer-songwriter Eliot Bronson released "Rough Ride", a song about Gray. In May 2018, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks released a song entitled "Bike Lane" on their Sparkle Hard album. The song references the Freddie Gray case. In 2017, HBO produced Baltimore Rising , a documentary about Gray's death and

2990-565: A tie. Short sleeve uniform shirts are authorized for warmer months. The 8-point peaked cap is worn by all officers. Its cap device is the Maryland Coat of Arms; silver for those below the rank of Lieutenant, gold for Lieutenants, and gold with coloured detail for Captains and above. The hat has a chin strap; black for Police Officers and Detectives, blue for Sergeants and gold for Lieutenants and above. Captains and above have gold fretting on their visor. Police Officers have their badge number below

3105-625: A timely manner multiple times." Batts also acknowledged police did not follow procedure when they failed to buckle Gray in the van while he was being transported to the police station. The U.S. Department of Justice also opened an investigation into the case. On April 30, 2015, Kevin Moore, one of the witnesses who filmed Gray's arrest, was arrested at gunpoint following what Moore described as "harassment and intimidation" by police. Moore stated he had cooperated with police, and gave over his video of Gray's arrest for investigation. He claimed, despite aiding in

3220-412: A violation of the natural rights of the citizen. In the 90-day public hearing and investigation, Robinson stated that the commissioner "demonstrate[d] lack of a sense of propriety and in several respects a lack of comprehension on the part of the commissioner of the nature of his duties, the functions of the department, and the obligations to the citizenry" During the public hearing Hepbron incessantly left

3335-420: A white-dominated police department. In the latter part of the 20th century, restructuring of industry and railroads resulted in a massive loss of industrial jobs in Baltimore. These changes resulted in depopulation, unemployment and poverty; all serious challenges for the police department. Police community relations were severely strained in Baltimore during the " war on drugs ", as with other cities, adding to

3450-832: A year of negotiations between the city and plaintiffs. The settlement provides for far-reaching reforms of the BPD's arrest and monitoring practices. The suit, which was filed in 2006, and amended in 2007, was brought on behalf of thirteen individual plaintiffs and the Maryland State Conference and Baltimore City Branch of the NAACP. In 2016, the United States Justice Department issued a 163-page report which "condemned many long-standing discriminatory enforcement practices by Baltimore police that allowed for illegal searches, arrests and stops of African Americans for minor offenses." The highly critical report also chastised

3565-401: Is a type of folding knife which uses an internal mechanism to finish the opening of the blade once the user has partially opened it using a flipper or thumbstud attached to the blade. When the knife is in the closed position, the blade is held in place by means of torsion springs and an additional blade lock (optional). As the user applies manual pressure to the thumbstud to open the knife,

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3680-626: The Baltimore police strike . In 1984, Mayor Donald Schaefer appointed veteran police officer Bishop L. Robinson as Baltimore's first black police commissioner. The department had previously long been dominated by ethnic Irish American and briefly by Italian Americans . Robinson had been the force's first Black officer to command the Eastern District and the Patrol Division. The department redefined several of its policies in effort to avoid

3795-561: The U.S. Supreme Court denied the officers' appeal in November 2018. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said there was no place in the Baltimore Police department for those police officers who "choose to engage in violence, brutality, [and] racism". Gene Ryan, president of the police union, chapter said that despite the tragic situation, "none of the officers involved are responsible for the death of Mr. Gray." President Barack Obama said it

3910-418: The "pattern of practice" investigation initiated by Lynch, a collaborative review that began in the fall of 2014, and a civil rights probe into the death of Gray. On September 12, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would not bring federal charges against the six Baltimore police officers involved in the arrest and in-custody death of Freddie Gray. Non-criminal, internal disciplinary trials for

4025-410: The "serious erosion of public trust" in relation to the circumstances of Gray's death. The review took effect immediately, and focused on allegations that Baltimore police officers use excessive force, including deadly force, conduct unlawful searches, seizures or arrests, and engage in discriminatory policing. As of May 2015, Federal authorities were conducting three probes into Baltimore police,

4140-495: The Colt LE6946CQB. The espantoon is an ornate, straight wooden baton with a long swiveled leather strap designed for twirling. It is distinct to the city of Baltimore and has been in use for generations. Between 1994 and 2000, the espantoon was banned by commissioner Thomas Frazier in favor of the koga stick due to the perception that its twirling intimidated the citizenry. In 2000, Edward T. Norris became commissioner and lifted

4255-405: The Gray family attorney, Gray suffered from total cardiopulmonary arrest at least once but was resuscitated without ever regaining consciousness. He remained in a coma, and underwent extensive surgery in an effort to save his life. According to his family, he lapsed into a coma with three fractured vertebrae, injuries to his voice box , and his spine 80% severed at his neck. Police confirmed that

4370-574: The National Guard began withdrawing from Baltimore, and the night curfew on the city was lifted. The demobilizing process lasted three days, during which time the state of emergency remained in effect. In May 2015, there were 43 homicides in Baltimore, making it the deadliest month in 40 years behind August 1972 (45 homicides) and December 1971 (44 homicides). The monthly homicide rate fell to 29 in June 2015 but in July 2015, 45 murders were recorded, tying with

4485-888: The University of Maryland campus in downtown Baltimore and the Mondawmin Mall were closed early. Protests also took place in other U.S. cities. In New York City , 143 people at Union Square were arrested on April 29, 2015, for blocking traffic and refusing to relocate. On the same day, outside the White House in Washington, D.C. , nearly 500 protesters converged without an incident. In Denver , eleven people were arrested as protesters were involved in physical altercations with officers. Other protests in response to Gray's death took place in cities including Chicago , Minneapolis , Miami , Philadelphia , Portland , and Seattle . On May 3, 2015,

4600-552: The West District police station. After paramedics treated Gray for 21 minutes, he was taken to the University of Maryland 's R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at 9:45 am in a coma. The media has suggested the possibility of a rough ride —a form of police brutality where a handcuffed prisoner is placed without a seatbelt in an erratically driven vehicle—as a contributing factor in Gray's injury. During Officer Goodson's trial,

4715-419: The arresting officers knew he possessed a knife" and that the motion was absurdly "bounc[ing] from one ridiculous allegation to another, like a pinball on a machine far past 'TILT ' ". Mosby was ordered to respond to the motion filed by the defense attorneys by June 26, 2015. Porter met up with the van after Goodson called dispatchers to ask for an officer to come check on Gray. He was requested twice by Gray for

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4830-426: The automatic expungement of the record of one who is arrested, but then released without being charged, thereby eliminating the dilemma many such victims faced that would prevent them from passing a criminal background check if the record remained, but would not allow for a wrongful arrest lawsuit if the record were expunged. On June 23, 2010, a $ 870,000 comprehensive settlement was reached which culminated more than

4945-433: The ban on the espantoon to raise staff morale and instill a more aggressive approach to policing, although he did not make its use mandatory. Norris stated, "When I found out what they meant to the rank and file, I said, 'Bring them back.' ... It is a tremendous part of the history of this Police Department." Sergeants and below wear a navy blue shirt and pants, with a felt stripe down the pant leg, with any rank insignia on

5060-594: The bill become law without his signature. As of 2021, 60% of sworn BPD officers were racial or ethnic minorities, with both black and white officers making up 40% of the force. Female officers comprised 15% of the department. The department absorbed the City Park Police in the early 1960s. In 2005, the Housing Authority Police were disbanded and operations taken over by the Baltimore Police Department. Housing Authority officers had to reapply for jobs with

5175-464: The case, and that the officers may not have a case with that motion. The lawyers representing the officers filed a motion insisting that the city must pay thousands of dollars in damages for arresting and detaining them—or else they could sue Mosby and the Mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. In an 11-page rebuttal, Chief Deputy State's Attorney Michael Schatzow wrote that Gray was detained "well before

5290-495: The cases, Baltimore announced the Baltimore Federal Homicide Task Force. It was a partnership of the Baltimore police and five federal crime-fighting agencies. The agencies would each embed two agents with the Baltimore police to help investigate. On July 8, 2015, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake fired Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, saying that his response to the death of Gray had become a distraction, while

5405-539: The charges against him. De Sousa resigned several days later. In 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill to transfer full control of the department from the state to the city. The transfer is contingent on city voters' approval of a charter amendment. Mayor Brandon Scott plans to assemble a panel tasked with finding ways that funding could be shifted from police to other agencies. Though Gov. Larry Hogan publicly questioned Scott's plans, he let

5520-470: The city or a specialized unit. Officers in patrol units work 5 eight-hour shifts a week. As of 2024 , the department is administered by Police Commissioner Richard Worley . The Commissioner is head of the department. Under him are four Deputy Commissioners, heading the Operations, Public Integrity, Compliance and Administrative Bureaus. In addition, the rank of Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel generally serve as

5635-510: The city police, losing any previous seniority. In the 2010s, there has been discussion of merging the Baltimore Schools Police into the department as well. Promotion is possible after three years of service. Opportunities for advanced training are provided, including specialized firearms training, defense tactics, and job-related topics such as basic criminal investigation. Hash marks, one for every five years service, will be worn on

5750-560: The city. A Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the visiting Chicago White Sox and host Baltimore Orioles scheduled for the evening was postponed due to the unrest. The next game commenced as scheduled but, as a precautionary measure, the match was played behind closed doors , becoming the first crowdless game in MLB history . The next series against the Tampa Bay Rays was moved to St. Petersburg . Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared

5865-749: The civilian chief financial officer who oversees the Management Services Division. The main squad cars used by the department are the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and Chevrolet Caprice , along with Harley Davidson motorcycles. Newer versions of the Ford Taurus SHO and Chevrolet Caprice are being implemented. Some older Chevrolet Impalas are still in service. Unmarked Dodge Chargers, Chevrolet Cobalts and Impalas and assorted Kias are used by some command staff and specialized units. The older vehicle paint scheme

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5980-462: The coat of arms, while Detectives and any supervisory rank has their title below the coat of arms. The current badge was designed in 1976. It is a shield, with "Police" written at the top, the Maryland state shield with the Battle Monument in the middle, and the words "Baltimore Maryland" and the officer's badge number at the bottom. An eagle is perched on top, holding a ribbon in its beak showing

6095-465: The commanding officer of each district. In a similar fashion, apart from those serving as the Major's Executive Officer at the district level, Captains may also oversee a particular sub-division as well (Traffic, Tactical, Major Crimes). Lieutenants are tasked with being the shift commander within their respective districts. Some jobs are filled by non-sworn personnel as Directors and Coordinators; in particular,

6210-403: The corner of North and Mount. According to the charging documents submitted by the Baltimore police, at 8:39 a.m Lieutenant Brian W. Rice, Officer Edward Nero, and Officer Garrett E. Miller were patrolling on bicycles and made eye contact with Gray, who proceeded to flee on foot "unprovoked upon noticing police presence". After a brief chase, Gray was apprehended and taken into custody "without

6325-609: The death has drawn further parallels to the response to the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown , as part of a larger string of controversial uses of force by police officers in the United States against African Americans. As of April 30, 2015, 22 demonstrations had been held nationwide in direct response to Gray's death or in solidarity with Baltimore. Additionally, the Black Lives Matter movement has protested Gray's death. On April 18, 2015, hundreds of people participated in

6440-470: The decree for 30 days in order to allow review by the Trump Administration. On May 10, 2018, newly appointed Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa was charged in U.S. District Court with three misdemeanor counts of failing to file federal taxes for 2013, 2014 and 2015. Mayor Catherine Pugh initially expressed support for De Sousa, but a day later she suspended him with pay pending the resolution of

6555-550: The decree in early April 2017, with commitment from Mayor Catherine Pugh and Police Commissioner Kevin Davis to make the changes proposed. Pugh already had included $ 10 million in the city budget for this purpose. The city will also be required to invest in better technology and equipment, and "for the Police Department to enhance civilian oversight and transparency." He denied a Department of Justice request to postpone signing

6670-531: The department began its patrol rifle program, issuing Colt LE6920 rifles to selected members of the patrol division. The department's SWAT team (originally the Quick Response Team) carried a mix of weapons in its early years, including M1 carbines, M16 assault rifles, Colt 9 mm SMGs and Ruger Mini 14 rifles. In the early 2000s, SWAT rearmed with a mix of UMP40 sub machine guns and G36K assault rifles. In 2014, SWAT replaced their assault rifles with

6785-481: The department has now found itself transitioning back from black to white for the primary vehicle color. The stripes largely remained unchanged. The primary service weapon is the Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol , replacing the Glock 17 9mm pistol. Officers are also issued a Monadnock expandable straight baton, TASER 7 and pepper spray . Lethal and less-lethal Remington 870 shotguns are available for patrol. In 2014,

6900-523: The department was made up of 43% African American officers. Following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody in 2015, there was rioting in black neighborhoods. The city invited the Department of Justice to conduct an investigation of the police department and its relations with the community. It found evidence of widespread unconstitutional and discriminatory police practices in the city, especially in poor, black neighborhoods. Following reporting from

7015-481: The department's "zero tolerance" and "broken windows" policing, and found that the department's practices "regularly discriminated against black residents in poor communities". In April 2017, U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar approved a consent decree signed by the Baltimore Police Department and former acting U.S. Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta , rejecting an objection by new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions . In 2016, continuous aerial surveillance

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7130-666: The department. African American officers at this point were barred from using squad cars, hit a ceiling in promotion and were limited to patrolling black neighbourhoods or assignments in the Narcotics Division or as undercover officers. They were subjected to racial harassment from both white coworkers (including the use of racial slurs during roll call ) and African American residents (including degrading racial graffiti). Bishop L. Robinson and Edward J. Tilghman were two black police officers during this period; both later served as police commissioner. In 1962, Patrolman Henry Smith Jr.

7245-517: The four others' bail was $ 350,000. On September 2, 2015, it was decided to hold separate trials for the accused. In December 2015, Baltimore judge Barry Williams declared a mistrial in the trial of Officer Porter after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. In May 2016, Judge Williams found Nero not guilty by means of a bench trial. On June 23, 2016, Officer Goodson was acquitted of all charges by Circuit Judge Barry Williams. In June 2016, law professor John Banzhaf of George Washington University filed

7360-438: The fully opened position, or (ii)from a partially opened position to the fully opened position, by manual pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the knife , and which is sometimes known as a “flick knife” or “flick gun”..”. According to the official United Kingdom website on the selling, buying, and carrying of knives, assisted-opening knives are included in the newly amended, expanded definition of

7475-405: The head of a particular section or division across the entire agency (Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Neighborhood Services, etc.). The rank of Major is assigned to those who develop, implement, coordinate, and ultimately supervise the day-to-day activities of the department in notable areas of prominence (Special Operations, Homicide/Shootings, Communications, etc.), as well as to those who serve as

7590-561: The head of the city police was "an SS officer in a Chesterfield coat who is impatient with the Bill of Rights and intolerant of the constitutional liberties and prerogatives of the people" Alvin J. T. Zumbrun, former managing director of the Criminal Justice Commission , issued a statement against Robinson in the commissioner's defense. He described the charges brought against Hepbron "the utterances of an angry madman possessed with

7705-420: The hearing and/or refused to answer specifications against him. During the hearing, Robinson urged the commissioner to resign in the public interest. Robinson wrote, "it is obvious that he has outlived his position. His administration has produced continuing deterioration and the demoralization of the department". The charges against Hepbron included: Despite considerable evidence, Hebron denied to address he

7820-575: The high crime rate in the city of Baltimore , which in some years has been ranked among the highest in the nation. In the mid-2000s, Maryland State Delegate Jill P. Carter , daughter of local civil rights leader, Walter P. Carter , publicized numerous cases of the Baltimore City Police arresting people for seemingly minor offenses, detaining them at Central Booking for several hours. Many were released without charges. Some were reportedly detained at Central Booking for several days before seeing

7935-564: The incident, six Baltimore police officers were suspended. Commissioner Anthony W. Batts reported that officers had not secured Gray inside the van while driving to the police station, contrary to a policy that had been put into effect six days prior to Gray's arrest. The medical examiner's office concluded that Gray's death could not be ruled an accident, and was instead a homicide, because officers failed to follow safety procedures. Baltimore City State's Attorney, Marilyn Mosby announced her office had filed charges against six police officers after

8050-428: The investigation, his photo was made public by police, who asked the public to identify him because he was "wanted for questioning". Moore said the police obviously knew who he was when they posted his photo. Moore was released from custody the next day, but two other individuals who were arrested along with Moore remained in custody. The same day as Moore's arrest, medical examiners reported Gray sustained more injuries as

8165-502: The investigation, the city, police department and the Civil Rights Division of DOJ negotiated a consent decree, including limits on when and how the [police] can engage individuals suspected of criminal activity. It orders more training for police on de-escalation tactics and interactions with youths, those with mental illness and protesters, as well as more supervision for officers. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar approved

8280-494: The large police presence of a so far peaceful protest of Gray's death At least 34 people were arrested, and 15 officers were injured. On April 27, rioting and looting began after the funeral of Gray, with two patrol cars destroyed and 15 officers reported injured. Protesters looted and burned down a CVS Pharmacy location in downtown Baltimore. In reaction to the unrest, the Maryland State Police sent 82 troopers to protect

8395-632: The left sleeve of the uniform as of 2015. In July 2016 the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel were intended to be eliminated as a streamlining and standardisation measure, with all affected personnel being appointed to the rank of Chief, a title formerly used only by certain civilian employees within the department. However, as of 2018 both Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel ranks are still in use. The Baltimore Police Department has 2,935 sworn and civilian personnel, including dispatchers , crime lab technicians, chaplains , and unarmed auxiliary police officers. Officers are assigned to one of nine districts in

8510-581: The mania to have the police commissioner removed at all costs." Zumbrun cited details of multiple instances where he believed Robinson had lied, citing instances as small as a phone call, office visit or passing informal greeting by Robinson to Zumbrun. While Zumbrun's evidence never addressed actual police violations of state law, Zumbrun continued to press for the expulsion of Robinson of the General Assembly of Maryland to Governor J. Millard Tawes . Assisted-opening knife An assisted-opening knife

8625-470: The medical examiner's report ruled Gray's death a homicide . Prosecutors found probable cause to file criminal charges against the six police officers who were believed to be involved in his death. The officer driving the van was charged with second-degree depraved-heart murder for his indifference to the considerable risk that Gray might be killed, and others were charged with crimes ranging from manslaughter to illegal arrest . A grand jury indicted

8740-655: The mistakes other departments made in the Watts riots of Los Angeles and Liberty City riots in Miami . The department began using computerized booking procedures and 911 emergency systems in 1985, and created the first ever 311 non-emergency system in 1996. CCTV cameras began to be used in the same year, while the CitiStat system was introduced in 2000, enabling police to concentrate resources where they would be most needed or effective. During Martin O'Malley 's administration as mayor,

8855-542: The national limelight", and that she "pandered to the public", creating an expectation of a conviction. A motion for Mosby to recuse herself from the case was filed on behalf of the charged officers, on the alleged basis of personal gain by Mosby and her husband, personal relationships with potential witnesses, and the financial interest of Gray's attorney, who the motion claims is a close friend of Mosby. CNN 's legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin pointed out that he does not see any serious conflict of interest to disqualify Mosby from

8970-583: The officer's rank. Badges are silver for those below Lieutenant, and gold for Lieutenants and above. BPD has experienced negative publicity in recent years due to several high-profile corruption and brutality allegations, including the 2005 arrest of Officers William A. King and Antonio L. Murray by the FBI for federal drug conspiracy charges. During the past generation, the Baltimore Police Department has faced criticism from local media, elected officials, and citizen advocacy groups. The criticism has pertained to

9085-423: The officers faced manslaughter charges and one faced an additional count of second-degree depraved-heart murder . The murder charge carries a possible penalty of 30 years in prison; the manslaughter and assault offenses carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. All six officers were released from jail after posting bail the same day they were booked. Two officers were released on $ 250,000 bail and

9200-514: The officers on most of the original charges filed by Mosby with the exception of the charges of illegal imprisonment and false arrest , and added charges of reckless endangerment to all the officers involved. Gray's hospitalization and subsequent death resulted in a series of protests . A major protest in downtown Baltimore turned violent, resulting in 34 arrests and injuries to 15 police officers. After Gray's funeral, civil disorder intensified with looting and burning of local businesses and

9315-660: The officers were prosecuted by a three person-panel chaired by a representative from another Maryland police agency, and outside lawyer and former chair of the Baltimore City School Board Neil Dukel. Of the six officers, Porter did not face internal discipline after investigation by the two county police agencies. Both Nero and Miller pled guilty, accepted departmental discipline and went back at work. Cleared by trial boards were Rice and Goodson. Last, according to police spokesman T.J. Smith, White "would face no further administrative actions". Public reaction to

9430-434: The police failed to prevent the spike in homicides. Baltimore ended the year with 344 homicides, the second-highest total behind 1993, when 353 murders occurred. It was also the first time since 1999 that the city recorded at least 300 homicides within a calendar year. On September 8, 2015, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced that the city had reached a $ 6.4 million settlement with Gray's family. Rawlings-Blake said

9545-621: The police van as a coffin on wheels." Subsequently, in June 2016, the Baltimore Sun noted that Dr. Carol Allan, an assistant medical examiner, "testified that Gray's fatal neck injuries, resembling those suffered in a diving accident, were caused by abrupt force to his neck during his transport, when he could not see outside the van to predict sudden stops, starts or turns." The department's seatbelt policy had been revised six days prior to Gray's arrest, in an attempt to protect detained individuals from serious injuries during transport. The policy

9660-405: The power to run its own police affairs. The early decades of the department were marked by internal political conflict over split loyalties. In 1857 the police were reorganized by Mayor Thomas Swann and new men were recruited; many came from Know Nothing gangs in the city and maintained loyalties to former leaders. The first BPD officer to die in the line of duty was Sergeant William Jourdan, who

9775-446: The prosecution rested, ruling there was not enough evidence to prove second-degree assault. Rice's trial began July 7, 2016. He was found not guilty on all counts by Judge Barry Williams on July 18, 2016. White was accused of not calling for medical assistance when she encountered Gray, "despite the fact she was advised that he needed a medic". She was charged with involuntary manslaughter; second-degree assault; and misconduct. She posted

9890-574: The racial integration of the department by 1966, also partly a result of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and efforts by local black activists. However, the riot of 1968 broke out across the city's African-American neighborhoods in response to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Because few black officers held rank within the department, the African American community was confronted by

10005-411: The record in 1972. Lt. Gene Ryan, president of Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police, said this was partly due to an increase of confidence among criminals in Baltimore. Then-police commissioner, Anthony Batts, blamed drugs looted from pharmacies during the riots for the spike in crime. The 2015 homicide total as of July 31 was 189 compared to 119 by the end of July 2014. On August 3, in an attempt to solve

10120-568: The settlement "should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial", but had been negotiated to avoid "costly and protracted litigation that would only make it more difficult for our city to heal". The city offered a settlement before they were sued. The death of Gray has been the subject of several songs. Prince recorded a song called "Baltimore" for his 2015 album Hit n Run Phase Two . The music video featured scenes from protests in response to Gray's death. In May 2015, Salomon Faye released "Black Power",

10235-486: The significance of the history of lynching in the United States . On April 25, 2015, protests were organized in downtown Baltimore, and the protests turned violent as protesters threw rocks and set fires. Many protesters were angered students who had been removed from their primary mode of transportation (city buses) and told to disperse from the city. Tension between the riot police and students grew as time passed, eventually leading to bottles and bricks thrown in protest of

10350-410: The sleeve and collar devices denoting district or unit. Lieutenants and above wear a white shirt with navy blue pants, with rank insignias on the collar. Nametags are worn above the right breast pocket, and sleeve patches are worn on both arms. Ties are worn with the long sleeve uniform shirt. Turtlenecks with BPD embroidered in gold letters at the collar may be worn with the long sleeve uniform in lieu of

10465-589: The song in his 2017 album We Are Who We've Always Been . The avant-garde rock Baltimorean band Horse Lords close their 2016 album, Interventions , with the track "Never Ended", which is built on samples from protests in response to Gray's death. In 2016, Kevin Morby released "Beautiful Strangers", which addressed issues plaguing the world: gun violence, the death of Freddie Gray, and terrorist attacks in Orlando and Paris . In 2017, jazz pianist Lafayette Gilchrist released

10580-532: The spinal injury led to Gray's death. Gray died on April 19, 2015, a week after his arrest. The Baltimore Police Department suspended six officers with pay pending an investigation of Gray's death. The six officers involved in the arrest were identified as Lieutenant Brian Rice, Sergeant Alicia White, Officer William Porter, Officer Garrett Miller, Officer Edward Nero, and Officer Caesar Goodson. On April 24, 2015, Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said, "We know our police employees failed to get him medical attention in

10695-626: The state legislature. The department introduced call boxes in 1885, the Bertillon identification system in 1896, and radio communications in 1933. The first African American officer hired by the department was a woman: Violet Hill Whyte , in 1937. The first black male officers (Walter T. Eubanks Jr., Harry S. Scott, Milton Gardner, and J. Hiram Butler Jr.) were hired the year after. They were all assigned to plainclothes duty to work undercover. In 1943, African Americans were allowed to wear police uniforms, and by 1950 there were 50 black officers in

10810-677: The stresses of several African American neighborhoods in East and West Baltimore already hollowed out by drug use. African American police officers were intensely disliked, as were white ones. In 1971, African American officers founded the Vanguard Justice Society , to represent their rights and interests. Throughout the 1970s, more African Americans advanced in the department; Black officers were promoted to positions of district commanders and chief of patrol. In July 1974, officers joined other striking municipal workers for five days during

10925-497: The subsequent protests. Directed by Sonja Sohn , it charts the impact of the incident on the people of Baltimore. Baltimore Police Department The first attempt to establish professional policing in Baltimore was in 1784, nearly 60 years after the founding of the colonial town and eight years after United States independence. The city authorized a night watch and a force of day constables to enforce town laws, particularly catching runaway slaves. Nightwatchman George Workner

11040-418: The two remaining officers were dropped. On September 12, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would not bring federal charges against the six Baltimore police officers involved in the arrest and death in custody of Gray. Freddie Carlos Gray Jr. (August 16, 1989 – April 19, 2015) was the 25-year-old son of Gloria Darden. He had a twin sister, Fredericka Gray, as well as another sister, Carolina. He

11155-438: The use of force or incident", according to Officer Garrett Miller, who wrote he "noticed a knife clipped to the inside of his [Gray's] front right pocket". In the formal statement of charges, Officer Miller stated that Gray "did unlawfully carry, possess, and sell a knife commonly known as a switch blade knife, with an automatic spring or other device for opening and/or closing the blade within the limits of Baltimore City. The knife

11270-450: The van on his own." The Baltimore Sun reported that another witness saw Gray being beaten with police batons . According to the police timeline, Gray was placed in a transport van within 11 minutes of his arrest, and within 30 minutes, paramedics were summoned to take Gray to a hospital. The van made four confirmed stops while Gray was detained. At 8:46 am, Gray was unloaded in order to be placed in leg irons because police said he

11385-401: The way. The difference is important legally; because the blade does not open simply "by the push of a button or by force of gravity" the assisted-opening knife is typically not considered a switchblade, and may escape the restrictions applying to those in many places. Despite this, there are cases on record of persons in possession of assisted-opening knives who have been arrested for possessing

11500-524: Was acting illegally. Delegate Robinson cited 36 instances where the cases were dropped or defendants released because of planted evidence and other means of framing suspects. He called these offenses, "a creature of commissioner Hepbron". Robinson also cited the Green Spring Avenue assault by a police officer of a 15-year-old boy, countless shootings of unarmed auto-thieves, and illegal raids on properly licensed establishments. At one point Robinson stated

11615-412: Was acting irate. Gray's shackling was recorded on a cellphone, which exhibited a motionless Gray surrounded by several officers as he was restrained. A later stop, recorded by a private security camera, shows the van stopped at a grocery store. At 8:59 am, a second prisoner was placed in the vehicle while officers checked on Gray's condition. At 9:24 am, the transport van arrived at its final stop,

11730-550: Was detectives showing Wilds what they thought was the correct answer. Wilds himself later said that he was coached to say that he first saw the victim's body at a certain Best Buy . On 4 October 2019, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said she had begun the process of asking courts to throw out 790 convictions which depended on the testimony of 25 Baltimore police officers who she said were discredited. On 14 October 2019, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said she had

11845-546: Was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after entering school, where he attended special education classes, played wide receiver in a local football little league team, and was a truant student. Gray failed several grades and dropped out of high school in ninth grade. At the time of his death, Gray lived in the home owned by his sisters in the Gilmor Homes neighborhood. He stood 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) and weighed 145 pounds (66 kg). Gray had

11960-607: Was disclosed. The program had private funding from John D. Arnold , and was contracted to Persistent Surveillance Systems Inc. Attorney Susan Simpson, working with the Undisclosed podcast, investigated the 2001 murder conviction of Adnan Syed for the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee . She found that during a Baltimore police interview of witness Jay Wilds, when Wilds didn't know what to say a tapping sound would be heard, after which Wilds suddenly knew what to say. The podcast said that this tapping

12075-466: Was found not guilty on all charges by Circuit Judge Barry Williams on June 23, 2016. Miller and Nero were the officers who caught Gray after he fled, and, after apprehending him, handcuffed Gray with his arms behind his back. Miller was charged with two counts of second-degree assault; two counts of misconduct in office; and false imprisonment. Nero was charged with two counts of second-degree assault; misconduct in office; and false imprisonment. Each posted

12190-493: Was implemented under Commissioner Donald Pomerleau , appointed in 1966 after consulting for the International Association of Chiefs of Police in the city for two years and writing a damning report on the department. Pomerleau described the BPD as "the most corrupt and antiquated in the nation, and had developed almost no positive relationship with the city's Negro community". Pomerleau oversaw many reforms, including

12305-428: Was not followed in Gray's case. According to attorney Michael Davey, who represents at least one of the officers under investigation, the new rules were criticized by some. He explained that in certain situations, like when a prisoner is combative, "It is not always possible or safe for officers to enter the rear of those transport vans that are very small, and this one was very small." In the following week, according to

12420-505: Was originally scheduled for September 6, 2016. On July 27, 2016, all charges against him were dropped. Goodson, the driver of the van, was charged with second-degree depraved-heart murder ; involuntary manslaughter ; second-degree assault ; manslaughter by vehicle ( gross negligence ); manslaughter by vehicle ( criminal negligence ); and misconduct in office. He posted a US$ 350,000 bail. The grand jury indicted Goodson on all charges and added an indictment of reckless endangerment. Goodson

12535-430: Was recovered by this officer and found to be a spring assisted one hand operated knife." According to the state's attorney for Baltimore City, the spring-assisted knife Gray was carrying was legal under Maryland law, while a police task force said the knife was a violation of the Baltimore code under which Gray was charged. Video recordings by two bystanders capturing Gray's arrest showed Gray, screaming, being dragged to

12650-515: Was scheduled for June 13, 2016. Analysts stated that the Porter's retrial could have caused problems for the other trials, under the presumption that he could not be compelled to testify while there are pending charges against him. After several appeals and reversals, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that Porter would be required to testify in the cases against the other officers. Porter's retrial date

12765-437: Was shot and killed by an unknown gunman during the first city council elections on October 14, 1857. In 1861, during the U.S. Civil War , the police department was taken over by the federal government after police helped push pro-U.S. and pro-Confederate rioters into a full-out armed confrontation in the Baltimore riot of 1861 . The U.S. military ran the police department until 1862, when they turned authority back to

12880-399: Was the first African American officer to die in the line of duty; he was shot breaking up a dice game on North Milton Avenue . As with other American cities post-World War II suburbanization, encouraged by government programs, drew large numbers of white residents out of the city. There had always been a large African American minority in Baltimore, which had been growing steadily and became

12995-502: Was the first law enforcement officer to be killed in the city; he was stabbed during an escape attempt by nine inmates at Baltimore City Jail on March 14, 1808. The department was founded in its current form (with uniforms and firearms) in 1853 by the Maryland state legislature "to provide for a better security for life and property in the City of Baltimore". The state did not give the city

13110-580: Was vital that the truth be found and supported protests if they were peaceful. In a May 4, 2015, interview on Fox News , Alan Dershowitz said that he believes Mosby overcharged the officers in an attempt to satisfy protesters and prevent further disturbances. Former Baltimore Prosecutor Page Croyder penned an op-ed in The Baltimore Sun where she described Mosby's charges as reflecting "either incompetence or an unethical recklessness". Croyder opined that Mosby circumvented normal procedures "to step into

13225-417: Was white with blue and silver striping and a replica of an officer's badge on the front doors. A new black paint scheme with blue and yellow stripes is gradually being implemented. As of 2021 the introduction of Ford Interceptor Utilities began the retirement of Caprices, Impalas and Tauruses due to age, high mileage or general retirement from discontinued models. With the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer being delivered,

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