Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:Baltimore Police Department

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{short description|Municipal law enforcement agency of Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.}}
{{Redirect|Baltimore Police|the county police|Baltimore County Police Department|the county sheriff's office|Baltimore County Sheriff's Office}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
| agencyname        = Baltimore Police Department
| commonname        = Baltimore Police Department
| abbreviation      = BPD
| patch             = Baltimore Police Department logo patch.png
| patchcaption      = Patch of the Baltimore Police Department
| logo              = 
| logocaption       = Baltimore Police Department Logo
| badge             = Badge of the Baltimore Police Department.jpg
| badgecaption      = Badge of the Baltimore Police Department
| motto             = ''Semper Paratus, Semper Fideles, Ever on the Watch''
| mottotranslated   = Ever Ready, Ever Faithful, Ever on the Watch
| formed            = {{start date and age|1784}}
| employees         = 2,935 (2020)<ref name="USA Today" />
| budget            = $536 million (2020)<ref name="USA Today">{{cite news |last1=Sullivan |first1=Carl |last2=Baranauckas |first2=Carla |title=Here's how much money goes to police departments in largest cities across the U.S. |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/06/26/how-much-money-goes-to-police-departments-in-americas-largest-cities/112004904/ |work=[[USA Today]] |date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714185818/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/06/26/how-much-money-goes-to-police-departments-in-americas-largest-cities/112004904/ |archive-date=July 14, 2020}}</ref>
| country           = United States
| divtype           = State
| divname           = Maryland
| subdivtype        = City
| subdivname        = Baltimore
| map               = Map of Maryland highlighting Baltimore City.svg
| mapcaption        = Baltimore Police Districts
| sizearea          = {{convert|80.95|mi2}}
| sizepopulation    = 602,495 (2018)
| legaljuris        = [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]]
| governingbody     = 
| overviewbody      = 
| constitution1     = 
| police            = Yes
| local             = Yes
| headquarters      = Bishop L. Robinson, Sr. Police Administration Building<br />601 E Fayette St [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]] 21202
| sworntype         = Officer
| sworn             = 2,514 (2017)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimorepolice.org/images/pdfs/newsroom/A-Strategic-Plan-for-Improvement.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207202907/http://baltimorepolice.org/images/pdfs/newsroom/A-Strategic-Plan-for-Improvement.pdf |archive-date=2015-02-07 |title=Public Safety in the City of Baltimore: A Strategic Plan for Improvement}}</ref>
| unsworn           = 
| electeetype       = [[Mayor of Baltimore]]
| minister1name     = [[Brandon Scott]]
| minister1pfo      = 
| minister2name     = 
| minister2pfo      = 
| minister3name     = 
| minister3pfo      = 
| minister4name     = 
| minister4pfo      = 
| minister5name     = 
| minister5pfo      = 
| chief1name        = [[Richard Worley (police officer)|Richard Worley]]
| chief1position    = [[List of Commissioners of the Baltimore Police Department|Commissioner]]
| chief2name        = Vacant
| chief2position    = Deputy Commissioner – Operations Bureau
| chief3name        = Brian Nadeau
| chief3position    = Deputy Commissioner – Public Integrity Bureau
| chief4name        = Eric Melancon
| chief4position    = Deputy Commissioner – Compliance Bureau
| chief5name        = Sheree Briscoe
| chief5position    = Deputy Commissioner – Administrative Bureau
| parentagency      = [[Baltimore City Council]]
| unittype          = 
| unitname          = 
| officetype        = 
| officename        = 
| provideragency    = 
| uniformedas       = 
| stationtype       = District
| stations          = 1-Central<br />2-Southeast<br />3-Eastern<br />4-Northeast<br />5-Northern<br />6-Northwest<br />7-Western<br />8-Southwest<br />9-Southern
| lockuptype        = Jail
| lockups           = 
| vehicle1type      = Marked and Unmarked Vehicles
| vehicles1         = Chevrolet Suburbans, Tahoes, Caprices, Ford Taurus Interceptors, Utility Interceptors, Explorers, Escapes, Mustangs and Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycles, Toyota Tundra, Ford F150
| boat1type         = 
| boats1            = 
| aircraft1type     = Helicopter
| aircraft1         = 2x Eurocopter EC 120 called Foxtrot
| aircraft2type     = 
| aircraft2         = 
| animal1type       = Horses
| animals1          = 12
| website           = [http://www.baltimorepolice.org/ Baltimore Police Website]
| footnotes         = 
}}

The '''Baltimore Police Department''' ('''BPD''') is the [[Municipal police|municipal police department]] of the city of [[Baltimore|Baltimore, Maryland]]. Dating back to 1784, the BPD, consisting of 2,935 employees in 2020, is organized into nine districts covering {{convert|80.9|sqmi}} of land and {{convert|11.1|sqmi}} of waterways. The department is sometimes referred to as the '''Baltimore City Police Department''' to distinguish it from the [[Baltimore County Police Department]].

== History ==

=== Foundation to the 1840s ===
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 [[constable]]s to enforce town laws. Nightwatchman George Workner was the first law enforcement officer to be killed in the city; he was stabbed during an escape attempt by nine [[Prisoner|inmates]] at [[Baltimore City Detention Center|Baltimore City Jail]] on March 14, 1808.<ref name="ODMP3">{{cite web| url=http://www.odmp.org/officer/17440-night-watchman-george-workner|title=Night Watchman George Workner, Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland|website=[[Officer Down Memorial Page]]|access-date=2008-04-02}}</ref>

The department was founded in its current form (with uniforms and firearms) in 1853 by the [[Maryland General Assembly|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 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.<ref name="Lewis1966">{{cite journal|last=Lewis|first=H. H. Walker|title=The Baltimore Police Case of 1860|journal=Maryland Law Review|date=Summer 1966|volume=XXVI|issue=3|url=http://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/mllr26&g_sent=1&collection=journals&id=223|access-date=7 August 2012|quote=In 1857 the police were reorganized on a more modern footing, but the new men who were recruited to build up the force were drawn largely from the Know Nothing gangs and remained subservient to their old leaders.}}</ref> The first BPD officer to die in the line of duty was Sergeant William Jourdan, who was shot and killed by an unknown gunman during the first [[Baltimore City Council|city council]] [[election]]s on October 14, 1857.<ref name="ODMP1">{{cite web| url=http://www.odmp.org/agency/214-baltimore-city-police-department-maryland |title=Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland, Fallen Officers|website=[[Officer Down Memorial Page]]|access-date=2010-04-02}}</ref><ref name="ODMP2">{{cite web| url=http://www.odmp.org/officer/7290-sergeant-william-jourdan|title=Sergeant William Jourdan, Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland|website=[[Officer Down Memorial Page]]|access-date=2008-04-02}}</ref>

In 1861, during the [[American Civil War|U.S. Civil War]], the police department was taken over by the [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]] after police helped push Union and Confederate rioters into a full-out armed confrontation in the [[Baltimore riot of 1861]]. The [[Military of the United States|U.S. Military]] ran the police department until 1862, when they turned authority back to the state legislature.

The department introduced [[Police box|call boxes]] in 1885, the [[Alphonse Bertillon|Bertillon]] identification system in 1896, and radio communications in 1933.

=== The 1930s to the Civil Rights era ===
The first African American officer hired by the department was a woman: [[Violet Hill Whyte]], in 1937.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rasmussen|first1=Fred|title='Lady Law' did more than just her duty Officer: The first African-American on the city's police force, appointed in 1937, Violet Hill Whyte went beyond her official role, with aid to the needy and counseling for the young.|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1997-02-02/features/1997033091_1_whyte-evening-sun-police-officer|access-date=May 20, 2018|work=The Balitimore Sun|date=February 2, 1997}}</ref> 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.<ref name="BAA">{{cite book|title=The Baltimore Afro-American, 1892–1950: 1892–1950|last=Farrar|first=Hayward|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=1998|isbn=0-313-30517-X|edition=1st|page=113|orig-year=1998}}</ref> In 1943, African Americans were allowed to wear police uniforms, and by 1950 there were 50 black officers in the department.<ref name="BAA" />

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.<ref name="hom">{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|author-link=David Simon|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|page=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/111 111]|chapter=two|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/111}}</ref> They were subjected to racial harassment from both white coworkers (including the use of racial slurs during roll call<ref>{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|page=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/111 111]|chapter=two|quote=black officers were still prohibited from riding in radio cars-legally prohibited.... limited in rank, then quarantined on foot posts in the slums or used in the fledgling narcotics unit. On the street, they endured the silence of white colleagues; in the station house they were insulted by racial remarks at roll calls and shift changes.|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/111}}</ref>) 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.<ref name="hom" /> Local [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politician [[Marse Callaway]] played a significant role in increasing the number of African American officers.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}In 1962, Patrolman Henry Smith Jr. 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.odmp.org/officer/12374-police-officer-henry-smith-jr.|title=Police Officer Henry Smith, Jr., Baltimore City Police Department, Maryland|website=Officer Down Memorial Page|access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref>
[[File:Baltimore City Police Rocker Patch used from 1952 to 1967.png|thumb|Baltimore City Police Rocker Patch used from 1952 to 1967]]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 a majority in the mid 20th century. The police department remained dominated by whites; traditionally mostly [[Irish Americans]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|page=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/85 85]|chapter=One|quote=....a predominantly Irish force.|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/85}}</ref> [[File:Baltimore City Police Patch used from 1968-1974.png|thumb|Baltimore City Police Patch used from 1968 to 1974]]

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 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.<ref name="hom_quote2">{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|pages=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/110 110–113]|chapter=two|quote="Maryland's governor and Baltimore's mayor took the IACP assessment seriously: They hired the man who wrote it."|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/110}}</ref> 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".<ref name="hom_quote">{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|page=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/111 111]|chapter=two|quote=Black Baltimoreans grew up with the understanding that two offenses-talking up to a city cop, or worse running from one-were almost guaranteed to result in a beating at best, or gunfire at worst.|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/111}}</ref> Pomerleau oversaw many reforms, including 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.<ref name="hom" /> However, the [[Baltimore riot of 1968|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,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archives.ubalt.edu/bsr/links/wypr.html|title=68: The Fire Last Time, Part 3: Explosion|publisher=[[WYPR]]|website=[[University of Baltimore]]|access-date=May 20, 2018|date=April 2008}}</ref> the African American community was confronted by a white-dominated police department.

=== Late 20th century to present ===
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 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.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Broadway Books|year=1997|isbn=0-7679-0030-8|edition=1st|pages=[https://archive.org/details/corneryearinlife00simo/page/165 165–166]|chapter=three|quote=Not surprisingly, some of the most feared and most despised Western District officers along Fayette Street-Shields, Pitbull, Peanuthead, Collins-are black|orig-year=1997|title-link=The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood}}</ref>

In 1971, African American officers founded the [[Vanguard Justice Society]], to represent their rights and interests.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://vjsinc.tripod.com/vjs_aboutus.html|title=Welcome to the official website of the Vanguard Justice Society, Inc.|website=Vjsinc.tripod.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915183635/http://vjsinc.tripod.com/vjs_aboutus.html|archive-date=September 15, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref> Throughout the 1970s, more [[African Americans]] advanced in the department;<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref>''"Ever on the Watch" The History of the Baltimore Police Department,'' by W.M.Hackley
{{cite web|url=http://mysite.verizon.net/vzesdp09/baltimorepolicehistorybywmhackley2/id86.html|title=Eastern District}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|page=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/274 274]|chapter=five|quote=The CID vice unit met with a similar fate, and in the tactical section, rumors were swirling about the ranking black officer on the force, Major James Watkins...|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/274}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0colAAAAIBAJ&pg=4329,314713&dq=baltimore+bishop-robinson&hl=en|title=New Opportunity in Law Enforcement|access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref> 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 the [[Baltimore police strike]].

In 1984, Mayor [[Donald Schaefer]] appointed veteran police officer [[Bishop L. Robinson]] as Baltimore's first black police commissioner.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_073173236.html|title=Baltimore Renames City Police Headquarters|work=[[WJZ-TV]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927194832/http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_073173236.html|archive-date=2007-09-27|url-status=dead|access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref> The department had previously long been dominated by ethnic [[Irish American]] and briefly by [[Italian American]]s.<ref>{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|pages=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/29 29–30]|chapter=One|quote=the mayor acknowledged the city's changing demographics by dragging [[Frank Battaglia|Battaglia]] into a well paid consultant position and giving the black community a firm lock on the upper tiers of the police department.|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/29}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets|last=Simon|first=David|publisher=Owl Books|year=2006|isbn=0-8050-8075-9|edition=4th|page=[https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/39 39]|chapter=One|quote=D'Addario is one of the last survivors of the Italian caliphate that briefly ruled the department after a long Irish dynasty..... But the Holy Roman Empire lasted less than four years.|orig-year=1991|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1|url=https://archive.org/details/homicideyearonki00simo_1/page/39}}</ref> 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 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 [[9-1-1|911]] emergency systems in 1985, and created the first ever [[3-1-1|311]] non-emergency system in 1996. CCTV cameras began to be used in the same year, while the [[CompStat|CitiStat]] system was introduced in 2000,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www-cgi.cnn.com/US/9603/public_places/|title=Public cameras draw ire of privacy experts|date=March 29, 1996|access-date=2009-05-15|work=CNN}}</ref> enabling police to concentrate resources where they would be most needed or effective. During [[Martin O'Malley]]'s administration as mayor, the department was made up of 43% African American officers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002111604_webbaltimore07|title=Black police officers claim discrimination within Baltimore department}} {{dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}, ''The Seattle Times'' (December 7, 2006)</ref>

Following the death of [[Death of Freddie Gray|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.

[[File:Kevin Davis at Justice.jpeg|thumb|Kevin Davis speaks at the US Department of Justice in 2016. Davis was Commissioner of the Baltimore Police Department from 2015 to 2018]]
Following reporting from the investigation, the city, police department and the Civil Rights Division of DOJ negotiated a consent decree,

<blockquote>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.<ref name="sun">{{cite news|last=Rector|first=Kevin|date=7 April 2017|title=Federal judge approves Baltimore policing consent decree, denying Justice Department request for delay|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-consent-decree-approved-20170407-story.html|access-date=22 April 2017}}</ref></blockquote>

U.S. District Judge [[James K. Bredar]] approved 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&nbsp;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 the decree for 30 days in order to allow review by the Trump Administration.<ref name="sun" /><ref name="auto">{{cite news|last1=Victor|first1=Daniel|date=8 April 2017|title=Judge Approves Consent Decree to Overhaul Baltimore Police Dept.|page=A18|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/07/us/baltimore-justice-department-police-consent-decree.html|access-date=10 April 2017}}</ref>

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.<ref name="De Sousa charged">{{cite news|last1=Rector|first1=Kevin|last2=Duncan|first2=Ian|date=May 11, 2018|title=Baltimore Police Chief De Sousa charged with failing to file taxes, but mayor expresses confidence in him|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-ci-desousa-taxes-20180510-story.html|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513230257/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-ci-desousa-taxes-20180510-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mayor [[Catherine Pugh]] initially expressed support for De Sousa, but a day later she suspended him with pay pending the resolution of the charges against him.<ref name="De Sousa suspended">{{cite news|last1=Rector|first1=Kevin|last2=Duncan|first2=Ian|date=May 11, 2018|title=Baltimore police chief De Sousa suspended amid federal tax charges, as his lawyers criticize prosecutors|work=The Baltimore Sun|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-de-sousa-presser-20180511-story.html|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-date=May 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514061035/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-de-sousa-presser-20180511-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> De Sousa resigned several days later.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Waldman|first1=Tyler|date=May 15, 2018|title=De Sousa Resigns, Pugh To Launch National Search|work=[[WBAL-AM]]|url=http://www.wbal.com/article/312654/2/de-sousa-resigns-pugh-to-launch-national-search|access-date=May 15, 2018}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=General Assembly approves transferring control of Baltimore police from state to city |date=7 April 2021 |url=https://www.wbal.com/article/508318/3/general-assembly-approves-transferring-control-of-baltimore-police-from-state-to-city |publisher=WBAL |access-date=12 April 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Mayor [[Brandon Scott]] plans to assemble a panel tasked with finding ways that funding could be shifted from police to other agencies.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbal.com/article/508415/3/gov-hogan-has-misgivings-with-police-reform-package |access-date=12 April 2021|title=Gov. Hogan has misgivings with police reform package }}</ref> Though Gov. [[Larry Hogan]] publicly questioned Scott's plans, he let the bill become law without his signature.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stole |first1=Bryn |title=Gov. Hogan vetoes key parts of Maryland police reform package; General Assembly begins votes to override him |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-hogan-police-reform-veto-20210409-uawqxhjyhjbqfbvogifimywqxi-story.html |access-date=12 April 2021 |work=Baltimore Sun}}</ref>

=== Mergers ===
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 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-school-police-folo-20150310-story.html|title=Need for city school police force questioned|last=Green|first=Erica L.|work=Baltimore Sun|access-date=2017-11-22|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114025929/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-school-police-folo-20150310-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Rank structure and insignia ==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Title
!Insignia
!Uniform shirt color
!Badge color
|-
|[[Police commissioner]]
|[[File:4 Gold Stars.svg|center|108px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|[[Police commissioner|Deputy police commissioner]]
|[[File:3 Gold Stars.svg|center|81px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|[[Colonel]]
|[[File:US-O6 insignia.svg|center|60px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|[[Lieutenant colonel]]
|[[File:US-O5 insignia.svg|center|30px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|-
|[[Major (rank)|Major]]
|[[File:US-O4 insignia.svg|center|30px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|[[Police captain|Captain]]
|[[File:US-O3 insignia.svg|center|25px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|[[Lieutenant#Police rank|Lieutenant]]
|[[File:US-O2 insignia.svg|center|10px]]
|White
|Gold
|-
|[[Sergeant]]
||[[File:NYPD Sergeant Stripes.svg|center|35px]]
|Dark Blue
|Silver
|-
|Police officer / [[detective]]
|No insignia
|Dark blue
|Silver
|-
|Police trainee
|No insignia
|Dark Blue w/ khaki pants
|None
|}

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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimorepolice.org/join-the-team/become-an-officer/promotional-opportunities |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021110019/http://www.baltimorepolice.org/join-the-team/become-an-officer/promotional-opportunities |archive-date=2011-10-21 |title=Promotional Opportunities}}</ref> Hash marks, one for every five years service, will be worn on 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wbaltv.com/news/baltimore-police-announces-reorganization-of-command-staff/40695318|title=BPD announces reorganization of command staff|date=13 July 2016|publisher=WBAL-TV}}</ref> However, as of 2018 both Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel ranks are still in use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://htv-prod-media.s3.amazonaws.com/files/bpd-org-chart-2018-1518120656.pdf|title=Baltimore Police Department Organizational Chart|website=www.baltimorepolice.org|language=en|access-date=2018-09-05}}</ref>

== Organization ==
[[File:Baltimore Police Officers at Camden Yards.jpg|thumb|Baltimore Police Officers at [[Camden Yards]]]]
The Baltimore Police Department has 2,935 sworn and civilian personnel,<ref name="USA Today" /> including [[dispatcher]]s, crime lab technicians, [[chaplain]]s, and unarmed [[auxiliary police]] officers. Officers are assigned to one of nine districts in the city or a specialized unit. Officers in patrol units work 5 eight-hour shifts a week.
{{As of|2019||df=}}, the department is administered by Police Commissioner Michael Harrison. 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 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 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, the civilian chief financial officer who oversees the Management Services Division.[[File:Baltimore City Fraternal Order of Police Memorial-2.jpg|thumb|Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Police Administrative Building Annex]]

=== Office of the Police Commissioner ===
{{See also|List of Commissioners of the Baltimore Police Department}}

* Chief of Staff
**Media Relations Section
**Governmental Affairs
**Executive Protection Unit
* Legal Affairs Section
[[File:Southeastern District.jpg|thumb|Baltimore Police Southeast District]]

=== Operations Bureau ===
==== Patrol Division ====
* Chief of Patrol
** Inspector
*** Night Commander
*** Area I
**** Central District
***** Headquarters Security Unit
**** Southeastern District
**** Southern District
**** Special Operations Section Unit
***** SWAT Platoon A
***** SWAT Platoon B
***** K-9 Unit
***** Traffic Unit
***** Aviation Unit
***** Stadiums & Honor Guard Unit
***** Special Events & Auxiliary Unit
***** Emergency Service & Marine Unit
*** Area II
**** Eastern District
**** Northeastern District
**** Northern District
**** Special Enforcement Section Vice Unit
*** Area III
**** Northwestern District
**** Western District
**** Southwestern District
**** Adult & Juvenile Booking Court Liaison Unit
*** Community Relations Division Unit
**** Victim Services Unit
**** Re-Entry Unit
**** Neighborhood Services Liaison Unit

[[File:Southern District in Cherry Hill.jpg|thumb|Baltimore Police Southern District]]

==== Criminal Investigation Division ====
* Chief of Detectives
** Homicide Unit
** District Detective Units
*** City-Wide Robbery Unit
*** Advance Technical Unit
*** Witness Services Unit
** Special Investigations Section
*** Arson Unit
*** State's Attorney's Liaison
*** Pawn Shop Unit
*** Economic Crimes Unit
*** Child Abuse
*** Missing Persons
*** Domestic Violence
*** Sex Offense
**** [[Sex offender registries in the United States|Sex Offender Registry]] Unit
** Operational Intelligence Section
*** Task Force & HIDTA Teams
*** Cyber & Electronic Crimes Unit
*** Regional Auto Theft Task Force
*** Warrant Apprehension Task Force
*** Gun Offender Registry
** Analytical Intelligence Section
*** Watch Center
*** Crime Analysis
*** Citiwatch
*** Comstat Unit
** Crime Laboratory Section

==== Homeland Security Division ====
* Communications Section
* Information Technology Section
* Records and Research Section
* Citiwatch
* Building Security

==== Special Operations Division ====
* Tactical Section
* Strategic Response Section
* Traffic Section

=== Public Integrity Bureau ===

* Anti-Corruption and Ethical Investigations
* S.I.R.T.
* Internal Affairs Section

=== Compliance Bureau ===

* Evidence Control Unit
* Best Practices Unit
* Office of Internal Oversight
* General Accountability Office
** Overtime and Secondary Employment Unit
** UCR
** Written Directives Unit
* Education and Training Section
** Police Academy
** Professional Development
*** In-Service Training
** Firearm Training Unit
*** Armory Unit
** Administrative and Command Investigations Unit
**Audits & Inspections

=== Administrative Bureau ===

* Information Technology Section
* Human Resources Section
** Personnel Administration
** Medical Unit
* Recruitment Section
** Background Investigation Unit
* Information Services Section
** Communications Unit
*** Radio Shop
** Records Management Section
*** Mail Room
*** Hot Desk & CHASE
*** Warrants & Identification
*** Criminal History
* Fiscal Services
** Property Section
*** Facilities Management
*** Fleet Management
*** Quartermaster Unit
** Finance Section
*** Grants Unit

== Police commissioners ==
{{Main|List of Commissioners of the Baltimore Police Department}}
* Charles Howard, 1860–1863
* Nicholas L. Wood, 1862–1864
* Samuel Hindes, 1864–1866
* James Young, 1866–1867
* LeFevre Jarrett, 1867–1870
* John W. Davis, 1870–1871
* William H.B. Fusselbaugh, 1871–1881
* [[George Colton (Maryland politician)|George Colton]], 1881–1887
* Edson M. Schryver, 1887–1897
* Daniel C. Heddinger, 1897–1900
* [[George M. Upshur]], 1900–1904
* George R. Willis, 1904–1908
* Sherlock Swann, 1908–1910
* John B.A. Wheltle, 1910–1912
* [[Morris Ames Soper|Morris A. Soper]], 1912–1913
* James McEvoy, 1913–1914
* Daniel C. Ammidon, 1914–1916
* [[Lawrason Riggs]], 1916–1920
* [[Charles D. Gaither]], 1920–1937 (First Solo Commissioner. Prior to Charles Gaither, the department had a Board of Commissioners, with three or more commissioners on a panel){{Citation needed|date=July 2019}}
* William Lawson, 1937–1938
* Robert F. Stanton, 1938–1943
* Hamilton R. Atkinson, 1943–1949
* Beverly Ober, 1949–1955
* James M. Hepbron, 1955–1961
* Bernard Schmidt, 1961–1966
* [[Donald Pomerleau|Donald D. Pomerleau]], 1966–1981
* [[Frank Battaglia|Frank J. Battaglia]], 1981–1984
* [[Bishop L. Robinson]], 1984–1987 (first African American commissioner)<ref name=autogenerated2 />
* Edward J. Tilghman, 1987–1989
* Edward V. Woods, 1989–1993
* Thomas C. Frazier, 1994–1999
* Ronald L. Daniel, 2000
* [[Ed Norris|Edward T. Norris]], 2000–2002
* [[Kevin Clark (police officer)|Kevin P. Clark]], 2003–2004
* [[Leonard Hamm|Leonard D. Hamm]], 2004–2007
* [[Frederick H. Bealefeld III]], 2007–2012
* [[Anthony Batts|Anthony W. Batts]], September 2012 – July 2015
* Kevin Davis, July, 2015 – January 2018
* Darryl D. DeSousa, January 2018 – May 2018
* Gary Tuggle, May 2018 – March 2019
*[[Michael S. Harrison]], March 12, 2019 – June 12, 2023
* [[Richard Worley (police officer)|Richard Worley]], June 12, 2023 —

== Equipment ==
[[File:Baltimore Police helo MD1.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Helicopter of the Baltimore Police Department]]

[[File:Baltimore Police Department Chevy Caprice PPV New Paint Scheme.jpg|thumb|Baltimore Police Department [[Chevy Caprice]] PPV with new livery]]

=== Cars and motorcycles ===
The main squad cars used by the department are the [[Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor]] and [[Chevrolet Caprice]], along with [[Harley-Davidson|Harley Davidson]] motorcycles. Newer versions of the Ford Taurus SHO and Chevrolet Caprice are being implemented. Some older [[Chevrolet Impala]]s 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 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, the department has now found itself transitioning back from black to white for the primary vehicle color. The stripes largely remained unchanged.

=== Weapons ===
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]] [[shotgun]]s are available for patrol. In 2014, 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 rifle|M16]] assault rifles, Colt 9&nbsp;mm SMGs and [[Ruger Mini-14|Ruger Mini 14]] rifles. In the early 2000s, SWAT rearmed with a mix of [[Heckler & Koch UMP|UMP40]] sub machine guns and [[Heckler & Koch G36|G36K]] assault rifles. In 2014, SWAT replaced their assault rifles with 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 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."<ref>[http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2008/10/the_espantoon.html Nightstick Joe is back in business], ''The Baltimore Sun'', September 23, 2000.</ref><ref>Federal Writers' Project, [https://books.google.com/books?id=K6BlU1wPV7oC Maryland:A Guide to the Old Line State], p. 204, US History Publishers, {{ISBN|1-60354-019-9}}.</ref>

=== Uniform ===
Sergeants and below wear a navy blue shirt and pants, with a felt stripe down the pant leg, with any rank insignia on 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 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 the coat of arms, while Detectives and above have their ranks 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 the officer's rank. Badges are silver for those below Lieutenant, and gold for Lieutenants and above.

== Awards ==
'''Medal of Honor''':
Awarded by the Police Commissioner to members who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and courage at the risk of their own lives, above and beyond the call of duty, in an extraordinary act of heroism and bravery without endangering or jeopardizing the lives of others and without detriment in any way to their sworn oath. A member must perform an act so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes superlative courage, beyond the call of duty, from lesser forms of bravery.

'''Silver Star''':
Awarded for an exceptional act, or execution of duty, performed in the presence of great danger and personal risk without endangering or jeopardizing the lives of others, and performed in such a manner as to clearly indicate that the sworn member performance of duty should have resulted in the prevention or solution of a crime, the arrest of those responsible, and thereby sets apart and distinguishes the member from other members. To merit this award the act must be heroic, but not to the degree justifying the Medal of Honor. This award shall not be granted for arrests resulting solely from information of an informant.

'''Bronze Star''':
Awarded to sworn members who distinguish themselves by displaying exceptionally meritorious service to the department and to the community. The sworn member must have displayed abilities and exercised judgment well above the expected standard and thereby contributed materially to the success of a major mission, investigation or endeavor. It may be awarded for an act involving personal danger under aggravated or hostile circumstances and for protecting or saving the life of another.

'''Life Saving Award''':
Awarded to sworn members who save the life of another person by decisive action. Situations include: CPR, Heimlich Maneuver; prompt application of first aid in potentially fatal situation; and any other act that saves a life and is not strictly a police related function.

'''Distinguished Service''':
Awarded to members who have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious service. The Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to sworn and civilian members who have displayed their abilities well above the expected standards reflecting technical or administrative achievement or exceptional leadership in achieving a specific goal, objective or innovation. It distinguishes the individual's performance which is identifiable in achievement, effect or consequence.

'''Commendation''':
To merit this award, the act of service must be accomplished or performed in a manner above that normally expected. It must be sufficient to distinguish the individual member above those of comparable position and responsibility and reflect a highly credible accomplishment. The award may be given for submitting an adopted suggestion which constitutes a definite contribution to the department, such as, invention or innovation resulting in an improved design, procedure, organization or relating to crime prevention or crime resistance. It may be awarded when members have displayed extraordinary intelligence, coverage and ability in effecting arrests, preventing a crime or solving a case.

'''Citation of Valor''':
Sworn members who have sustained gunshot wounds, stab wounds, or serious injury under aggravated and hostile circumstances which could result in death or permanent disability while acting in their official capacity are eligible for this award. Authority for the issuance of the Citation of Valor lies solely with the Police Commissioner.

'''Unit Citation''':
Any bureau, division, district, section, subdivision, unit or squad of members of the department is eligible for this award. The Unit Citation is awarded by the District Commander/Commanding Officer (or designee) to commend extraordinary law enforcement performance, attention to duty, contribution to this agency or to the general welfare of the citizens of the City of Baltimore. The criteria for the awarding of this recognition is the same as that for the "Commendation" when a group effort is recognized. The mutual and full participation of all unit members in the cited activity must be explained in detail in order to be considered for this unit distinction.

'''1968 Riot Ribbon''':
Only sworn members of the department on duty in the City of Baltimore during the period of [[Baltimore riot of 1968|civil unrest]], 5 April through 14 April 1968, were eligible for this award.

'''2015 Riot Ribbon''':
Only sworn members of the department who contributed to the suppression of unrest or security of property during the [[2015 Baltimore protests|2015 civil unrest]] resulting from the [[Killing of Freddie Gray|death of Freddie Gray]] are eligible for this award.

'''Eastern District Initiative''':
For Officers involved in special initiative in the Eastern District.

'''Commissioner Award 2000''':
In 2000, then-Commissioner [[Ed Norris|Edward Norris]] presented this commendation to every officer that worked that year, as it was one of the first years that shootings and homicides had been significantly reduced from the year prior.

'''Safe Driving Award''':
Safe Driving Awards were presented to encourage safe driving. Initially they were given out every year that an officer went without having an accident. This practice ceased. Subsequently, Safe Driving Awards were revived in five year blocks instead of every year with awards being available in five year blocks, with 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 year awards. The 10 year pin has a silver star in its center, followed by the 15 with 2 stars, 20 with 3 stars and 25 with 4 stars.

== Line of duty deaths ==
According to the [[Officer Down Memorial Page]], BPD has lost 146 officers in the line of duty since 1808, the most recent on December 23, 2021.<ref name="ODMP1" /> This figure includes officers from other agencies that were absorbed by or became part of the modern BPD in addition to the modern department itself. This number also includes officers killed on and off duty by gunfire of other officers on duty.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:95%"
|+BPD Line of Duty deaths
!width=120| Type
!width=50| Number
|-
|Accidental || style="text-align:center;"|4
|-
|Aircraft accident || style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|Assault || style="text-align:center;"|5
|-
|Automobile accident || style="text-align:center;"|11
|-
|Drowned || style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
|Duty-related illness || style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
|Electrocuted || style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
|Fall || style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
|Fire || style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
|Gunfire || style="text-align:center;"|65
|-
|Gunfire (inadvertent) || style="text-align:center;"|6
|-
|Heart attack || style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
|Motorcycle crash || style="text-align:center;"|5
|-
|Stabbed || style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
|Struck by streetcar || style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
|Struck by train || style="text-align:center;"|3
|-
|Struck by vehicle || style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
|Vehicle pursuit || style="text-align:center;"|2
|-
|Vehicular assault || style="text-align:center;"|8
|-
|'''Total''' || style="text-align:center;"|'''146'''
|}

== Criticism ==
{{More citations needed section|date=November 2008}}
BPD has experienced negative publicity in recent years due to several high-profile [[police corruption|corruption]] and [[police brutality|brutality]] allegations, including the 2005 arrest of Officers [[William A. King and Antonio L. Murray]] by the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] for federal [[illegal drug|drug]] conspiracy charges.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wjz.com/topstories/Antonio.Murray.William.2.421587.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223004519/http://wjz.com/topstories/Antonio.Murray.William.2.421587.html |archive-date=2008-02-23 |title=Baltimore Cops Found Guilty of Corruption}}</ref>

[[File:Baltimore-police-box.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Police box]] on [[Maryland Route 139|North Charles Street]] near [[Pennsylvania Station (Baltimore)|Penn Station]]]]
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 the high crime rate in the city of [[Baltimore]], which in some years has been ranked among the highest in the nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/15/most-dangerous-cities_n_6164864.html |title=10 Most Dangerous Cities in America |work=Huffington Post |date=2014-11-15 |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref>

=== Arrests for minor offenses ===
In the mid-2000s, Maryland State Delegate, the Honorable [[Jill P. Carter]], daughter of the late civil rights champion, [[Walter P. Carter]], exposed 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 a court commissioner. All arrestees in Maryland are required to have an initial appearance before a court commissioner within 24 hours of their arrest.

It should also be noted that [[correctional officer]]s at Central Booking were rumored to be on a work slowdown during this time. Corrections personnel are prohibited from [[Strike action|striking]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2015}}

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 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wbaltv.com/news/9229472/detail.html |title=Couple Arrested For Asking For Directions |publisher=[[WBAL-TV]] |date=2006-05-17 |access-date=2015-05-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211100839/http://www.wbaltv.com/news/9229472/detail.html |archive-date=2012-02-11 }}</ref>

In 2007, the state of Maryland passed a law requiring 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/baltimore_city/bal-laws1001,0,5816882.story |title=The legacy of U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder |work=Baltimore Sun |date=2014-10-02 |access-date=2015-05-02}}{{dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

On June 23, 2010, a $870,000 comprehensive settlement was reached which culminated more than 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclu.org/racial-justice/plaintiffs-win-justice-illegal-arrests-lawsuit-settlement-baltimore-city-police-depar |title=Plaintiffs Win Justice in Illegal Arrests Lawsuit Settlement with the Baltimore City Police Department |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2010-06-23 |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref>

=== 2016 Justice Department report ===
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 the department's "zero tolerance" and "broken windows" policing, and found that the department's practices "regularly discriminated against black residents in poor communities".<ref name="WaPoJusticeReport">{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/baltimore-officials-justice-department-promises-sweeping-overhaul-of-city-police/2016/08/10/f022ded2-5e72-11e6-8e45-477372e89d78_story.html |title=Baltimore officials, Justice Department promise sweeping overhaul of city police |last=Lynh Bui and Peter Hermann |date=10 August 2016 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=11 August 2016}}</ref>

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]].<ref name="auto" />

=== Aerial surveillance ===
In 2016, continuous aerial surveillance was disclosed. The program had private funding from [[John D. Arnold]], and was contracted to Persistent Surveillance Systems Inc.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-25/baltimore-police-will-continue-aerial-surveillance-program|title=Baltimore Police Will Continue Aerial Surveillance Program|agency=Bloomberg|first=Monte|last=Reel}}</ref>

=== Allegations of witness coaching ===
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 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]].<ref>{{cite podcast |host=Rabia Chaudry|title=Undisclosed|website=undisclosed-podcast.com|publisher=Undisclosed|date=May 12, 2015|url=https://undisclosed-podcast.com/episodes/season-1/episode-3-jays-day.html|access-date=20 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/24/5-key-finding-undisclosed-serial-adnan-syed|last=Everett|first=Christine|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 24, 2015|title=5 key findings from Undisclosed that Serial missed}}</ref><ref name=menshealth>{{cite web|url=https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a26755082/who-is-jay-wilds-serial/|title=Everything We Know About Jay Wilds From HBO's Serial Documentary|first=April|last=Wolfe|date=March 9, 2019|work=Men's Health|access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/upstream/serial-undisclosed-podcast-new-evidence-susan-simpson/|title=New evidence suggests Jay from 'Serial' was coached by police|first=Nayomi|last=Reghay|date=May 13, 2013|access-date=June 2, 2019|work=The Daily Dot}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode|url=https://www.hbo.com/the-case-against-adnan-syed/part-3|title=Justice is Arbitrary|work=HBO|series=The Case Against Adnan Syed|minutes=26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.salon.com/2015/06/02/serial_bombshells_arent_finished_new_podcast_breaks_even_more_news_and_more_doubt/|title="Serial" bombshells aren't finished: New podcast breaks even more news, and more doubt|first=Virginia|last=Pasley|date=June 3, 2015|access-date=June 9, 2019|work=Salon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/31/arts/television/case-against-adnan-syed-dna-hbo-finale.html|title='The Case Against Adnan Syed' Finale Reveals New DNA Test Results|first=Austin|last=Considine|date=March 31, 2019|access-date=June 9, 2019|work=The New York Times}}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=July 2023}}

=== List of unreliable police officers ===
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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-mosby-drops-cases-20191004-xzeplbzxovcwtb7gr4bh74e2ha-story.html|title=Mosby lists 25 Baltimore police officers as discredited; prosecutors begin wiping out 790 convictions|first=Tim|last=Prudente|date=October 4, 2019|work=Baltimore Sun|access-date=December 31, 2019}}</ref> On 14 October 2019, Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby said she had a list of "hundreds of officers" who had allegations of misconduct that called their credibility into question.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-mosby-lists-hundreds-of-officers-20191018-cakqslar5rgujp2sc6knwsklpm-story.html|title=Mosby Lists hundreds of Officers|work=Baltimore Sun|access-date=December 31, 2019|date=October 18, 2019|first=Tim|last=Prudente}}</ref>

== Notable incidents ==

=== Police Commissioner James M. Hepbron ===
Commissioner James M. Hepbron was subject to a hearing on February 19, 1959, led by Jerome Robinson, Democratic State Delegate for the fourth district.<ref name="Ernest B Furgurson 1959. pg. 38">Ernest B Furgurson, "Robinson States Case on Hepbron: Hearings to Begin February 19," ''Baltimore Sun'', February 11, 1959. Proquest Historical Newspapers The Baltimore Sun (1837–1985) pg. 38.</ref> Delegate Robinson had a long history of challenging wiretapping and search warrants, as he believed the practice unconstitutional, against Federal law and 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"<ref name="Ernest B Furgurson 1959. pg. 38" /> During the public hearing Hepbron incessantly left 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".<ref>Ernest B Furgurson, "Robinson Specifications Against Hepbron Submitted," The Sun, February 10, 1959.  Proquest Historical Newspapers The Baltimore Sun (1837–1985) pg. 40.</ref>

The charges against Hepbron included:
* Flouting of the civil and constitutional rights of the citizens of Baltimore City. Illegal taps of private and public telephone lines.
* Errors in judgment and administration.
* Concepts of policing which, because of brutality and insentivity, are shocking to decent thinking people.<ref name="Charges 1959. pg. 38">"Full Text of Charges," ''Baltimore Sun'', February 11, 1959. Proquest Historical Newspapers The Baltimore Sun (1837–1985) pg. 38.</ref>

Despite considerable evidence, Hebron denied to address he 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 the head of the city police was "an [[SS officer]] in a Chesterfield coat who is impatient with the [[United States Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]] and intolerant of the constitutional liberties and prerogatives of the people"<ref>Odell M. Smith, "Robinson Urges Hepbron to Quit," ''Baltimore Sun'', March 12, 1957. Proquest Historical Newspapers The Baltimore Sun (1837–1985) pg. 38.</ref>

Alvin J. T. Zumbrun, former managing director of the [[Criminal Justice Commission (Baltimore)|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 the mania to have the police commissioner removed at all costs"<ref>"Zumbrun Gives Answers To Charges by Robinson," ''Baltimore Sun'', March 30, 1959. Proquest Historical Newspapers The Baltimore Sun (1837–1985) pg. 28.</ref> 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]].

=== Ed Norris ===
In December 2003, former Commissioner [[Ed Norris]] was indicted on three charges by US Attorney Thomas DiBiagio. Two of the counts charged Norris had made illegal personal expenditures from the Baltimore Police Department's supplemental account.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bal-te.md.norris12dec12,0,2015298.story|title=Norris pleads not guilty|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|date=December 12, 2003|first=Del Quentin|last=Wilber}}</ref> The third alleged that he had lied on a [[Mortgage loan|mortgage]] application, stating that approximately $9,000 he received from his father was not a gift—as was stated in the loan papers—but a loan. As part of a [[plea bargain]] in May 2004, Norris pleaded guilty to the first two counts and was sentenced to six months in [[federal prison]], six months of [[home detention]], and 500 hours of [[community service]], which [[Judge]] Dick Bennett said must be served in Baltimore. The plea bargain avoided a possible 30-year sentence on the [[mortgage fraud]] charge.

=== Flex Squad scandal ===
A rash of high-profile corruption and brutality allegations surfaced in late 2005 and early 2006, including the suspension and arrest of officers in a so-called "flex squad" for the alleged [[rape]] of a 22-year-old woman they had taken into custody for illegal possession of [[narcotic]]s. All criminal charges against the accused officers have since been dropped.<ref name="flex squad">{{cite news|last1=Sentementes|first1=Gus G.|last2=Bykowicz|first2=Julie|title=Questions raised for years about city 'flex squad'|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-01-15/news/0601150112_1_squad-flex-mengel|access-date=May 20, 2018|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=January 15, 2006|archive-date=May 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521104631/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-01-15/news/0601150112_1_squad-flex-mengel|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Linskey|first1=Annie|title=Apologies in flex squad case|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2008-08-07/news/0808060191_1_police-department-mengel-city-police-officers|access-date=May 20, 2018|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=August 7, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225073633/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2008-08-07-0808060191-story.html|archivedate=February 25, 2021}}</ref>

Stories subsequently surfaced about flex squad officers planting evidence. Murder charges were dropped when it was revealed that a gunman was dropped off in rival [[gang]] territory after a police [[interrogation]] in a squad car. The man was beaten badly and exacted his revenge the next day. The squad's role in the shooting prompted State's Attorney [[Patricia Jessamy]] to drop the charges.<ref name="flex squad" />

=== Detectives Murray and King ===
{{Main|William King and Antonio Murray}}
William A. King and Antonio L. Murray are two former BPD officers sentenced  to a total of 454 years in prison after an FBI investigation in 2005 identified them as drug traffickers. The investigation was aided by a DVD that circulated in Baltimore called [[Stop Snitchin']], in which the two officers, for their participation in drug trade, are examples of untrustworthy police.

=== Gerard Mungo ===
On 17 March 2007, police arrested seven-year-old Gerard Mungo while he was sitting in front of his house on a dirtbike. Though he was seated on the dirtbike at the time of the arrest, officers reported they saw him riding it earlier. Local law prohibits the operation of vehicles with an engine capacity of less than 50cc inside the city limits. Ordinances passed by city council, Article 19 Section 40-6, states that any and all unregistered motor bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, or anything similar in nature is illegal in Baltimore City. Officers stated they were "following procedure" in making a physical arrest.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brad |last=Warbiany |url=http://www.thelibertypapers.org/2007/03/17/police-arrest-7-year-old-including-fingerprints-mug-shot/ |title=Police Arrest 7-Year-Old – Including Fingerprints & Mug Shot |website=Thelibertypapers.org |date=2007-03-17 |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref>

=== Officer John Torres ===
In 2008, BPD officer John Torres shot and killed another officer, Norman Stamp. In 2014, Torres was arrested for attempted murder. The Baltimore Police Department has been accused of a coverup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wbaltv.com/news/officials-baltimore-police-officer-shoots-person-in-pennsylvania/25720108#!YS6p4 |title=Officials: Baltimore police officer shoots man in Pennsylvania |publisher=WBAL-TV |date=2014-04-30 |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref>

=== Salvatore Rivieri ===
BPD officer Salvatore Rivieri came to national attention in February 2008 following the release of two videos depicting separate incidents of him verbally assaulting and manhandling citizens.

The first video was posted to YouTube on February 9, 2008<ref>{{cite video |people=camb0i (cameraman), Eric Bush (subject), Salvatore Rivieri (subject) |title=Baltimore cops V.S. skateboarder |medium=camphone recording |publisher=camb0i |location=Baltimore |date=9 February 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GgWrV8TcUc}}</ref> and showed Officer Rivieri berating and manhandling a 14-year-old-boy, Eric Bush, who had been skateboarding in a tourist area of [[Inner Harbor]] where skateboarding is not permitted. In the video, Rivieri threatened to "smack [Bush] upside the head" if he continued to "back-talk." Rivieri also said that someone would kill Bush if he did not learn "the meaning of respect." Rivieri seemed particularly irate by the boy addressing him as "dude." "I am not a dude, a dude is someone who works on a ranch!" Rivieri shouts on the tape. After the video surfaced, Rivieri was suspended with pay while the Baltimore Police Department conducted an investigation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330501,00.html |publisher=Fox News |title=Baltimore Officer Suspended After Video Surfaces of Him Berating Skateboarder |date=February 12, 2008 |access-date=July 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204055659/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330501,00.html |archive-date=February 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The story made national headlines<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=4282823&page=1 |title=Officer Suspended After Skateboarder Rant |publisher=ABC News |date=2008-02-13 |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref> and prompted another man to come forward with footage of an earlier confrontation with the officer.

On February 15, 2008, [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] affiliate [[WMAR-TV]] aired a second video involving Officer Rivieri, in which he confronted an artist from Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |last=Emery |first=Chris |title=Strife with police is old – Clash with authority familiar to skaters |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=16 February 2008 |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2008-02-16/news/0802160296_1_skateboarding-youtube-video |access-date=8 February 2012}}</ref> The artist, Billy Friebele, was making a film depicting the reactions of passersby to a small box he was moving around a sidewalk with a remote controlled car.

In the wake of the incidents in April 2008, BPD replaced the sergeant and lieutenant commanding the 12 officers patrolling the Inner Harbor area, from the edge of [[Federal Hill, Baltimore|Federal Hill]] to the [[Fallsway]], near Pier 5. Sterling Clifford, a police department spokesman, said: "Given the extreme nature of that incident, we thought it was important for the officers to brush up on their interpersonal skills."<ref>{{cite web |last=Linskey |first=Annie |title=Police shift Inner Harbor patrol command |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=23 April 2008 |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2008-04-23/news/0804230135_1_skateboarder |access-date=9 February 2012}}</ref>

The mother of Eric Bush [[Lawsuit|filed a suit]] against Rivieri in April 2008 (two months after the video circulated) seeking $6&nbsp;million for assault, battery, and violation of rights. The city sought to have the suit dismissed, partly because such claims must be filed within 180 days of the incident. The family's attorney argued that the [[statute of limitations]] did not apply to a minor. On December 11, 2008, Baltimore Circuit Judge Marcus Z. Shar ruled that the lawsuit could proceed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fenton |first=Justin |title=Judge lets skateboarder lawsuit go ahead |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=11 December 2008 |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2008-12-11/news/0812110003_1_deer-hunters-county-police-milford-mill |access-date=8 February 2012}}</ref> On September 14, 2009, Rivieri's motion for summary judgment was granted by Circuit Judge Evelyn Cannon, dismissing the case. William P. Blackford, the attorney for the Bush family, said of the judgment: "The family is incredibly disappointed, and feels wronged...they've had their day in court taken away."<ref>{{cite web |last=Augenstein |first=Neal |title=Skateboarder's suit against Baltimore cop tossed |publisher=[[WTOP-FM|WTOP 103.5 FM]] |date=22 September 2009 |url=http://www.streetgangs.com/police/cops/092209_baltimore_cop#sthash.mNlbw8KO.dpbs |access-date=9 February 2012}}</ref>

In early 2009, the Baltimore Police Department cited death threats received by Rivieri as justification for no longer disclosing the names of police officers who shoot or kill citizens.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fenton |first=Justin |title=In policy change, city police will not identify officers who kill, injure |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=7 January 2009 |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2009-01-07/news/0901060139_1_police-department-baltimore-police-community-and-police |access-date=9 February 2012}}</ref> Rivieri was eventually cleared of using excessive force and discourtesies by an internal police panel, but convicted of the administrative charge of failing to write a report. The panel recommended that he be suspended five days, but Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III disagreed and fired him.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hermann |first=Peter |title=Baltimore cop who berated skateboarder fired |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=25 August 2010 |url=http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/blog/2010/08/baltimore_cop_who_berated_skat.html |access-date=9 February 2012}}</ref> On February 28, 2011, the firing of Rivieri was upheld.<ref>{{cite web |title=Officer Salvatore Rivieri's Firing Upheld |publisher=WBAL-TV |date=28 February 2011 |url=http://www.wbaltv.com/r/27022220/detail.html |access-date=9 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315222517/http://www.wbaltv.com/r/27022220/detail.html |archive-date=15 March 2012}}</ref>

=== Anthony Fata ===
In January 2011, Detective Anthony Fata reported he had been shot in a parking structure near police headquarters. In August 2013, he was convicted on various charges of benefits fraud, having in fact shot himself.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fenton|first1=Justin|title=Baltimore detective convicted of lying about shooting himself|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bal-baltimore-detective-convicted-of-lying-about-shooting-himself-20130821-story.html|access-date=1 May 2015|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=21 August 2013}}</ref>

=== Daniel G. Redd ===
On July 19, 2011, Officer Daniel G. Redd was arrested for drug trafficking. While on trial, Redd admitted to being involved in the distribution of heroin. Redd was sentenced to twenty years in prison in September 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-09-19/news/bs-md-ci-officer-redd-sentenced-20120919_1_daniel-redd-sean-vitrano-shanel-stallings|title=Baltimore police officer Daniel Redd sentenced for drug dealing }}</ref>

=== Majestic towing scandal ===
In May 2012, Police Commissioner [[Frederick Bealefeld III]] directed a team (including agents from the [[FBI]]) that used wiretaps and other techniques to break up a major corruption scandal centered on the Majestic Auto Body shop. The shop paid BPD officers a fee when they called Majestic tow trucks to the scene of an accident. In all, 17 officers pleaded guilty to charges. At least another 37 officers were involved.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/us/baltimore-police-corruption-case-tests-commissioner.html|title=Baltimore Police Scandal Spotlights Leader's Fight to Root Out Corruption|newspaper=The New York Times|date=9 May 2012|last1=Emery|first1=Theo}}</ref>

=== Lamin Manneh ===
In August 2013, Officer Lamin Manneh was indicted on charges he was acting as a pimp for his own wife and another woman. In November 2014, he was convicted of violation of the [[Mann Act]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Colin|first1=Campbell|title=Former Baltimore cop sentenced in prostitution ring|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-prostitution-sentencing-20141120-story.html|access-date=1 May 2015|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=20 November 2014}}</ref>

=== James Walton Smith ===
Officer James Walton Smith killed himself in August 2013, while in custody while awaiting trial for the murder of his girlfriend.<ref>{{cite news|last1=George|first1=Justin|title=Charged with killing his fiancee, Baltimore police officer dies in apparent suicide in jail|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-police-suicide-20130805-story.html|access-date=1 May 2015|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=5 August 2013}}</ref>

=== Kendell Richburg ===
In October 2013, Officer Kendell Richburg was sentenced to eight years in prison on a number of charges. He pleaded guilty of conspiring with a local drug dealer. The officer would protect the dealer from arrest while he in turn provided information on his customers allowing Richburg to easily arrest them.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-01-18/news/bs-md-ci-officer-indicted-20130118_1_baltimore-police-officer-commissioner-anthony-w-batts-pot-charges|title=Baltimore police officer indicted on crack, heroin, pot charges }}</ref>

=== Christopher Robinson ===
In October 2013, Officer Christopher Robinson shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her new partner before killing himself.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/glen-burnie/bs-md-ar-murder-suicide-20131027-story.html|title=Police say city officer killed firefighter, girlfriend in murder-suicide|first1=Luke|last1=Broadwater|first2=Carrie|last2=Wells|date=27 October 2013|work=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=13 March 2018|archive-date=14 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314043116/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/anne-arundel/glen-burnie/bs-md-ar-murder-suicide-20131027-story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Ashley Roane ===
In November 2013, Officer Ashley Roane pleaded guilty to charges related to a scheme to sell Social Security numbers. She admitted to having used official computers to access personal information which she then passed on to others who used the information to defraud the government. She also admitted to knowingly protecting persons who transported large amounts of heroin in the city. In February 2014, she was sentenced to five years in prison.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/baltimore/press-releases/2014/former-baltimore-police-officer-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison-for-protecting-a-heroin-dealer-and-illegally-accessing-police-databases-in-fraudulent-tax-refund-scheme|title=Former Baltimore Police Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Protecting a Heroin Dealer and Illegally Accessing Police Databases in Fraudulent Tax Refund Scheme}}</ref>

=== Arrest for video recording ===
In March 2014, the city of Baltimore agreed to pay $250,000 to a man arrested at the [[Preakness Stakes]] in 2010 for recording police officers with his mobile phone. The city admitted no misconduct and said it was unable to identify the officers who arrested Christopher Sharp, but agreed to pay to settle the matter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.baltimorebrew.com/2014/03/12/city-to-pay-250000-to-man-who-says-police-deleted-cellphone-video/|title=City to pay $250,000 to man who says police deleted cellphone video}}</ref>

=== Frederick Allen ===
In April 2014, Officer Frederick Allen pleaded guilty to two counts of a sexual abuse of a minor. The abuse started in 2005 when the girl was fifteen years old and working with the Police Athletic League. Allen was fired from the department.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-08-29/news/bs-md-police-officer-indict-20130829_1_baltimore-police-officer-frederick-allen-sexual-relationship|title=Baltimore police officer charged with having sex with a minor }}</ref>

=== Alec Eugene Taylor ===
In August 2014, Officer Alec Eugene Taylor pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty. He killed his girlfriend's puppy.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Duncan|first1=Ian|title=Baltimore Police officer to plead guilty in puppy killing|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/blog/bs-md-officer-cruelty-plea-20140805-story.html|access-date=1 May 2015|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=5 August 2014}}</ref>

=== Michael Johansen ===
Four BPD officers responded to a burglary call on 28 December 2014, where Michael Johansen had broken into a store and was attempting to steal cigarettes. When Johansen was asked to show his hands, he allegedly put his hands towards his lower waist area, and two officers opened fire, striking him multiple times. Johansen collapsed to the floor, and then asked officers if he was shot with [[beanbag gun|beanbag rounds]]. Officer Wesley Cagle responded with "No, a .40-caliber, you piece of shit," and then shot Johansen in the groin at close range. Johansen survived. On 19 August 2015, the first two officers who shot Johansen were justified by state prosecutors in the shooting, and Cagle was charged with attempted murder and assault. Cagle was released on $1&nbsp;million bail, but was later fired, found guilty of first-degree assault and sentenced to 12 years in prison.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-cagle-shooting-folo-20150820-story.html |title=Man wants officer who shot him 'to admit he was wrong' |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 20, 2015}}</ref>

=== Freddie Gray ===
{{Main|Killing of Freddie Gray}}
Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man, was taken into custody on April 12, 2015, for the possession of a [[switchblade]] knife.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/freddie-grays-death-ruled-homicide-states-attorney/story?id=30728026 |title=Freddie Gray's Death Ruled a Homicide |publisher=ABC News |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref> While being transported, Gray had experienced what was described by officers as a "[[medical emergency]]." Within an hour of his arrest, Gray fell into a [[coma]] and had been taken to a trauma center, where it was determined that he had suffered from a [[spinal injury]]. According to his family, Gray's spine was "80% severed" at his neck, he had three fractured vertebrae, and his [[larynx]] was injured. At the autopsy, however, the spinal cord was said to be intact. A contusion and secondary, time-related changes of edema and necrosis were seen.<ref>"Freddie Gray autopsy: excerpt from the report," ''Baltimore Sun'', June 24, 2015</ref> The events that led to the injuries are unclear; Officer Garrett Miller claimed that Gray was arrested "without force or incident." Dissenting medical professionals place the timing of the injury to the time of arrest.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/29/us/freddie-gray-baltimore.html |title=Prosecutors Say Baltimore Police Mishandled Freddie Gray Case|newspaper=The New York Times|date=28 July 2016|last1=Stolberg|first1=Sheryl Gay|last2=Bidgood |first2=Jess}}</ref>

Despite extensive surgery in an attempt to save his life, Gray died on 19 April. Pending an investigation, six BPD officers were temporarily suspended with pay. Police Commissioner Anthony Batts reported that the officers "failed to get [Gray] medical attention in a timely manner multiple times," and did not [[seat belt|buckle]] him in the van while he was being transported to the police station.

The death of Gray led to the [[2015 Baltimore riots]]. A major protest in downtown Baltimore on 25 April turned violent, resulting in 34 arrests and the injuries of 15 police officers. Following Gray's funeral on April 27, the unrest intensified with the looting and burning of local businesses and a [[CVS pharmacy]], culminating with the deployment of the [[Maryland National Guard]] to Baltimore and declaration of a [[state of emergency]] by Governor [[Larry Hogan]].

On May 1, the six officers were charged in Gray's death. One officer was charged with [[second degree murder]], which carries a penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment, while the five others were charged with crimes ranging from [[involuntary manslaughter]] to illegal arrest. One of the officers trials ended in mistrial. Three of the officers were found not guilty at trial and the remaining charges against the officers were dropped on July 27, 2016.

=== Shooting of Keith Davis, Jr. ===
Baltimore police fired 44 rounds at Keith Davis Jr. on June 7, 2015, hitting with three, including one in the face. The police had been in hot pursuit of a robbery suspect, and Davis was nearby. Police said Davis was shooting a gun at them, while Davis said he did not have a gun. Davis called his girlfriend near the end of the shooting. According to her, he said the police were trying to kill him. Davis was charged with 15 counts, including the robbery and discharge of a firearm. The discharge of a firearm count were dropped after it was proved that all the shots came from the police. Davis was found not guilty of the robbery after the victim said in Court that Davis did not resemble the robber. Davis was found guilty of possession of the gun, which he says was planted. Davis was also charged with a murder in an earlier incident involving the same gun. The first three times Davis was tried for the murder resulted in two mistrials and one conviction that was later overturned. [[Marilyn Mosby]]'s office tried him a fourth time for the murder, with the Baltimore court restricting access to courtroom audio, ordering that it not be broadcast to the public; the Undisclosed podcast broadcast the audio anyway, which it says is protected by the [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/04/21/baltimore-police-keith-davis-jr-prosecution/|title=Endless Trials|work=The Intercept|first=Alice|last=Speri|date=April 21, 2019|access-date=June 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/2019/05/03/baltimore-court-audio-recordings-keith-davis-jr/|first=Alice|last=Speri|date=May 3, 2019|work=The Intercept|access-date=June 5, 2019|title=BALTIMORE COURTS RESTRICT ACCESS TO COURTROOM AUDIO AFTER PODCAST AIRS RECORDINGS FROM KEITH DAVIS JR. TRIALS}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/keith-davis-was-accused-of-murder-now-hell-face-a-fourth-trial-to-prove-he-didnt-do-it/2017/12/05/d7dab07e-d9e2-11e7-a841-2066faf731ef_story.html?noredirect=on|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 5, 2017|access-date=June 6, 2019|title=Keith Davis was accused of murder. Now he'll face a fourth trial to prove he didn't do it.|first=Courtland|last=Milloy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-keith-davis-verdict-20180619-story.html|title=Judge declares mistrial Thursday in third Keith Davis Jr. trial|work=Baltimore Sun|date=June 21, 2018|access-date=June 6, 2019|first=Jessica|last=Anderson}}</ref> The fourth trial again reached a guilty verdict, and Davis was facing sentencing of up to 50 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/07/keith-davis-jr-guilty-police-shooting-baltimore-kevin-jones.html |title=Baltimore Man Shot by Police Is Convicted of Murder—After His Fourth Trial |first=Chip |last=Brownlee |date=July 29, 2019 |magazine=Slate}}</ref> However, also this verdict was later overturned. A 5th murder trial was scheduled for May 2023,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Segelbaum |first1=Dylan |title=Baltimore judge sets 2023 date for 5th murder trial of Keith Davis Jr., when new state's attorney will be in office |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/baltimore-judge-sets-2023-date-for-5th-murder-trial-of-keith-davis-jr-when-new-states-attorney-will-be-in-office-3V23VDAP55EPFHV4KUBLLPQF4M/ |access-date=January 13, 2023 |work=[[Baltimore Banner]] |date=August 3, 2022}}</ref> but Baltimore State's Attorney [[Ivan Bates]] ended the office's prosecution of Davis on January 3, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Segelbaum |first1=Dylan |title=Baltimore State's Attorney's Office drops controversial murder case against Keith Davis Jr. |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/keith-davis-jr-states-attorney-ivan-bates-drops-murder-case-DZM2RULGABAA7FGIJJFMXSBYDU/ |access-date=January 13, 2023 |work=[[Baltimore Banner]] |date=January 13, 2023}}</ref>

=== 2017 racketeering indictment ===
All eight members of the Gun Trace Task Force were accused in a federal [[racketeering]] indictment. The eight officers—Daniel Hersl, Evodio Hendrix, Jemell Rayam, Marcus Taylor, Maurice Ward, Momodu Gondo, Thomas Allers and Wayne Jenkins—were accused of [[Extortion|shaking down]] citizens for money and pocketing it, lying to investigators, filing false court paperwork, and making fraudulent [[overtime]] claims.<ref>{{Citation|title=Gun Trace Task Force Overview|first=Jessica|last=Anderson|url=http://data.baltimoresun.com/news/gun-trace-overview/|work=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=April 3, 2018|date=2018}}</ref><ref name="CBSRacketeering">{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/baltimore-police-department-officers-arrested-robbery-racketeering/|title=Baltimore police officers accused of robberies in racketeering indictment |agency=Associated Press |date=1 March 2017 |publisher=CBS News |access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref><ref name="BASunRacketeering">{{Cite news |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/crime/bs-md-ci-baltimore-police-indicted-20170301-story.html|title=Seven Baltimore Police officers indicted on federal racketeering charges |last=Justin Fenton and Kevin Rector |date=1 March 2017 |work=Baltimore Sun |access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref> The amount stolen from citizens ranged from $200 to $200,000.<ref name="CNNRacketeering">{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/01/us/baltimore-police-officers-racketeering-charges/|title=7 Baltimore officers accused of abusing power, robbing citizens |last=Mary Kay Mallonee |date=1 March 2017 |publisher=CNN |access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref> The probe began when the [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] started looking into the officers while investigating a drug organization and later involved the FBI. The officers were summoned by [[Internal affairs (law enforcement)|internal affairs]] on the morning of Wednesday, March 1, 2017, and arrested.<ref name="WaPostRacketeering">{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/federal-officials-to-announce-indictments-against-seven-baltimore-police-officers/2017/03/01/0380ab96-fe8f-11e6-8f41-ea6ed597e4ca_story.html|title=Federal officials indict seven Baltimore police officers on racketeering |first1=Lynh|last1=Bui|first2=Peter|last2=Hermann |date=1 March 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>  All eight officers were convicted, and received sentences ranging from 7 to 25 years.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-rayam-sentencing-20190528-story.html|title=Former Baltimore Police detective sentenced to 12 years in Gun Trace Task Force corruption case |first=Justin |last=Fenton |date=28 May 2019 |work=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=3 March 2021}}</ref> The indictment was portrayed on the [[HBO]] series ''[[We Own This City]]'', which serves as [[David Simon|David Simon's]] spiritual successor to ''[[The Wire]]'', another show that follows Baltimore police officers.

=== Arrest of Detective Victor Rivera ===
In February 2021, Detective Victor Rivera was sentenced to fourteen months in confinement. Working with two other policemen, Rivera stole three kilograms of cocaine and used a police informant to sell the contraband. Sergeant Keith Gladstone pleaded guilty to a related charge.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fenton |first1=Justin |title=Baltimore ex-officer sentenced for lying to FBI about cocaine theft; case throws gang convictions into question |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/bs-md-ci-cr-gttf-louvado-sentenced-20210208-abgxfeb4ejbhflacrt56p4yw3a-story.html |access-date=9 February 2021 |publisher=Baltimore Sun |date=8 February 2021}}</ref>

=== Eric Banks ===
In July 2021, an off-duty BPD police officer, Eric Banks, was arrested for murder and for trying to disarm another officer who was at his residence in neighboring [[Anne Arundel County]]. The police were investigating Banks' teenaged step-son's disappearance and went to his home to rule out the possibility the step-son might have been hiding inside the house. Banks originally tried to block officers from entering and checking the attic space however when they accessed it, they found his step-son's body. Banks subsequently began wrestling with officers for their firearms and was arrested. According to charging documents, Banks admitted to hiding the body in the attic space, but did not provide a specific reason why he did so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/HellgrenWJZ/status/1415444407357218819|title=Charging documents in case of Baltimore City police officer Eric Banks}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/07/14/eric-banks-charged-with-murder-teenage-stepson-dasan-jones/|title=Baltimore Police Officer Charged In Teen Stepson's Murder; Attorney Says He Wanted 'Suicide By Cop'|date=14 July 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/police-officer-charged-with-murder-in-stepsons-death-091933855.html|title=Police officer charged with murder in teen stepson's death|date=15 July 2021 }}</ref> According to Maryland Public Court Records, Banks took an [[Alford Plea]] in October 2022. In January 2023, Banks was sentenced to 42 years in prison for the murder and for attempting to disarm the arresting officers at the scene.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/crime/ac-cn-eric-banks-baltimore-cop-sentenced-20230127-uv25i5mvqjgoleg3scgfnjrwzq-story.html |title= Baltimore Police officer Eric Banks sentenced to 42 years in prison for killing his 15-year-old stepson in Curtis Bay home |date=27 January 2023}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
*The BPD was portrayed in the [[NBC]] television series ''[[Homicide: Life on the Street]]'' produced by [[David Simon]], a former ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' reporter. The show ran for seven seasons and spawned a TV movie titled ''[[Homicide: The Movie]]''. The series was based on the Simon book ''[[Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets]]'', expanded from his crime news stories in ''The Baltimore Sun''. At times, there has also been crossover in stories and characters from ''[[Law & Order]]'' and ''Homicide: Life on the Street''.
*The [[HBO]] original series ''[[The Wire]]'' (also produced and created by David Simon) features the department extensively, portraying it as a dysfunctional organization whose effectiveness is often impaired by personal vendettas and [[office politics]].
*''[[Of Dolls and Murder]]'', a documentary film, follows members of the Baltimore Police's Homicide Unit as they try and solve cold cases. It also looks at the [[Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death]], a series of tiny crime scene dioramas that the Baltimore police famously use for training in [[forensics]].<ref>[http://www.wildestdreamsmovie.com/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704055948/http://www.wildestdreamsmovie.com/|date=July 4, 2008}}</ref> These training dioramas provided inspiration for [[The Miniature Killer]], a recurring character in the television series ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]''.
*The 2018 film [[Charm City (film)|''Charm City'']] follows the BPD and others on the frontline during three years of unparalleled violence in the city.
Episode #106 of Rescue 9-1-1- featured a ride-along with Baltimore police officer John Smith, and respond to a shooting/murder at a restaurant called "The Yellow Bowl".

=== Controversy ===
The portrayals of Baltimore City in ''[[The Wire]]'' and ''[[Homicide: Life on the Street]]'' have received criticism from several notable Baltimore politicians, such as former mayor and former [[Governor of Maryland|Maryland governor]] [[Martin O'Malley]] and former mayor [[Sheila Dixon]]. Both politicians have argued that the shows glorify the levels of violence within the city and give Baltimore a negative image.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2009-07-the_wire_may_off_the_air_but_o-story.html |title=Maryland Politics: The Wire may be off the air, but O'Malley still dealing with Carcetti drama |author=Laura Smitherman |website=Baltimore Sun |date=2009-07-22 |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/ap/homicides-hold-steady-in-baltimore-80471687.html |title=Homicides Hold Steady in Baltimore |work=San Francisco Examiner |agency=AP |access-date=2015-05-02}}</ref> In contrast, the police department has been relatively supportive of the shows, stating that crime within the city has been accurately portrayed.<ref>{{cite web |title=One on One with Robert Wisdom| url=http://www.hobotrashcan.com/2006/09/21/one-on-one-with-robert-wisdom/}}, Hobo Trash Can (September, 2006)</ref> Several current and former members of the police force have served as technical advisors for the Baltimore-based shows and some, such as former Major [[Gary D'Addario]], have allegedly been either dismissed or forced to retire from the department for assisting the shows' producers and directors.<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite web |title=3rd Exclusive David Simon Q&A |url=http://members.aol.com/TheWireHBO/exclusive4-6.html}}, ''The Wire'' HBO (December 4, 2006)</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Maryland}}
* [[Crime in Baltimore]]
* [[List of law enforcement agencies in Maryland]]
{{Clear}}

== Further reading ==
* Fenton, Justin. 2021. ''We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops, and Corruption''. Random House.
* Folsom, de Francias. ''Our Police: A History of the Baltimore Force from the First Watchman to the Latest Appointee'' (1888). A detailed (532 pages + roster of officers) contemporary account of the police force in nineteenth-century Baltimore.
*Melton, Tracy Matthew. ''Hanging Henry Gambrill: The Violent Career of Baltimore's Plug Uglies, 1854–1860'' (2005). Describes how the response to deadly gang violence led to the development of a professional police force in Baltimore during the election violence and riots in the 1850s under the "[[Know Nothings]]" extremist political party, which later resulted in the City itself and the then Mayor [[Thomas Swann]] reorganizing and creating the modern department in 1853/1857, and then later the [[Maryland General Assembly|General Assembly of Maryland]] (state legislature) putting the Baltimore City Board of Police Commissioners and Marshal of Police (Chief, later Police Commissioner) under appointive authority of the [[Governor of Maryland]] which lasted into the 1990s.

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.baltimorepolice.org/ Baltimore City Police website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080614022530/http://www.baltimorepolice.org/about-us/police-department/history Baltimore City Police history]
* [http://www.police-frequencies.com/maryland/baltimore-city/ Baltimore City Police Frequencies]
* [http://www.baltimorecitypolicehistory.com/ Baltimore City Police History]
* [https://www.scribd.com/doc/27993920/Baltimore-Police-Department-Organizational-Chart Organizational chart]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051211093059/http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/news/citistat/ CitiStat website]
* [http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.police14may14,1,6864172.story William and King article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522115841/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.police14may14,1,6864172.story |date=2011-05-22 }} from ''The Baltimore Sun''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051224225147/http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/lpd00.htm Local Police Departments 2000] survey from the [[United States Department of Justice]]
* [http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0763098.html Top 50 U.S. cities by population] from Infoplease.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051130055844/http://www.odmp.org/agency.php?agencyid=214 List of Baltimore City Police Officers killed in the line of duty] from the Officer Down Memorial Page.
* [http://www.fop3.org/ FOP Lodge 3 site]

{{Baltimore Police Department}}
{{Baltimore}}
{{Law enforcement agencies in Maryland}}

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[[Category:Baltimore Police Department| ]]
[[Category:1853 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:Death of Freddie Gray]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1853]]
[[Category:Municipal police departments of Maryland]]
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