According to the DOJ, Baltimore and its police are making strides toward policing reforms.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced significant progress in policing reforms in Baltimore. The city and the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) have made substantial strides in adhering to the requirements of the DOJ’s 2015 consent decree. This joint motion seeks court approval to declare the city and BPD in compliance with the decree, which was enacted following a DOJ investigation into the BPD’s practices, prompted by the community outcry over Freddie Gray’s death.

The consent decree, agreed upon in 2017, led to changes in BPD’s policies and training aimed at improving respect for First Amendment rights, especially during protests and demonstrations. The department has implemented reforms to ensure peaceful assembly, including the right to record police activity, and an independent monitor found that BPD has made full compliance with the decree.

Key highlights of the reforms include:

• No evidence of BPD obstructing individuals’ right to observe or record police actions.
• A marked reduction in incidents of First Amendment violations between 2020 and 2022, despite numerous public interactions.
• Successful management of protests, including the 2020 racial justice protests and demonstrations related to high-profile events like a speech by Vice President Kamala Harris.
• A significant drop in unlawful arrests: arrests without probable cause decreased by 91% between 2020 and 2022.
• A reduction in instances of individuals being arrested but later released without charges, signaling fewer unlawful arrests.

Additionally, the city has worked with community leaders to improve oversight, particularly with the Baltimore City School Police, and has made strides in enhancing transparency and accountability in its interactions with the community.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke commended the Baltimore Police Department for its ability to maintain order while respecting the right to protest, particularly during the challenging 2020 racial justice demonstrations. The DOJ remains committed to collaborating with Baltimore to ensure continued fair and constitutional policing.