Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced the release of a new "Do Not Call" list on Monday, which includes the names of 60 police officers considered too unreliable to testify for the state in court. The list comprises 11 current officers and 49 former officers who have left the force within the past five years, including members linked to the notorious Gun Trace Task Force.
During a press conference, Bates emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "The few in uniform who gamble with the credibility of the department and the integrity of my prosecutors' cases must be identified for the sake of accountability." He referenced the troubled history of the Baltimore Police Department and its past issues with corruption.
This new list differs from a previous one maintained by former State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, which included 91 officers, many of whom were convicted of crimes and no longer served in the department. Bates dismantled that list in April, aiming to create a more refined version based on his office's protocols.
Bates outlined the criteria used to compile the current list, noting that his office has the discretion to include officers based on various circumstances. He provided a hypothetical scenario where an officer may be placed on the list if a pattern of violating constitutional rights is identified, even after receiving additional training.
Acting Police Commissioner Richard J. Worley expressed his support for Bates' efforts, stating, "We are committed to getting officers with integrity issues off the streets of Baltimore and putting the best officers forward in rebuilding trust with the communities we serve." Worley is scheduled for a confirmation hearing with the Baltimore City Council on Thursday.
Unlike the previous list, the new "Do Not Call" list does not provide specific reasons for each officer's inclusion.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WYPR (source).
0 Comments
Log in to join the conversation.