The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has reached compliance in two additional sections of the federal consent decree, a significant step toward reform following the 2015 in-custody death of Freddie Gray that precipitated this mandate. As confirmed by a federal judge and the Consent Decree Monitoring Team, BPD now meets the standards outlined in the technology, recruitment, and retention sectors. CBS News Baltimore reported these developments, noting the department's growth through 81 newly sworn officers while still recognizing the deficit of more than 400 officers needed to meet staffing requirements.
Police Commissioner Richard Worley highlighted the relentless efforts of his staff, stating, "We continue to make meaningful progress toward fulfilling the Consent Decree, and this marks another important step toward full compliance," a statement obtained by CBS News Baltimore conveyed. Despite the strides made, the judge identified the shortage of officers as a primary challenge to shedding federal oversight.
Since the inception of the federal consent decree in 2017, Baltimore's push to modernize its police force and recruiting methods has been a focused endeavor. The 2016 Department of Justice report prompted this decree, shedding light on various unconstitutional practices by the BPD. Now, 82% of the decree's mandates are either already met or are on a trajectory toward compliance. WBAL-TV reported on these efforts, emphasizing the department's commitment to improvements, including the adoption of a consent decree dashboard in 2024 for enhanced transparency.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott commended the BPD's advancements, acknowledging the crucial link between an evolving police department and the cultivation of safer community relations. "Modernizing the Department and strengthening recruitment and retention have been priorities since well before I took office," Scott said in a statement reported by WBAL-TV. Affirming the evolution of policing in Baltimore, the mayor credited increased enrollment in the BPD to the fostering of community trust and a unified strategy to curb violence in the city.
Among those areas where the BPD has shown full compliance are Technology, Recruitment and Retention, Transportation of Persons in Custody, Health and Wellness, Community Oversight Task Force, First Amendment, and Coordination with School Police.
