BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — The bill pushing for local control of the Baltimore City Police Department, was unanimously approved by State senators on Wednesday under the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Cory McCray and Del. Melissa Wells, is now headed to Governor Larry Hogan's desk.
It will be the first time since 1860, that Baltimore City will have control of the Baltimore City Police Department.
Baltimore is the only jurisdiction in Maryland that does not have direct oversight of the police department because it is considered a state agency.
Click below to hear the discussion
For the second hour of the show, click here.
Now the Local Control Bill for the Baltimore City Police Departmet is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature! pic.twitter.com/fJ7HGVZPxC
— Cory McCray (@SenatorMcCray) April 7, 2021
Answering national calls for justice starts at home by fostering an environment of policing that is transparent and accountable. Today, I am proud to say that Baltimore is moving in the right direction.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) April 7, 2021
Read my full statement here: https://t.co/EQK08GCwYV pic.twitter.com/wHQfglnVpg
The bill to locally control @BaltimorePolice (SB 786) is heading to Gov. Hogan's desk
— ACLU of Maryland (@ACLU_MD) April 7, 2021
Thank you @SenatorMcCray and @MayorBMScott for your leadership on this issue
Soon Baltimore residents will locally control the Baltimore Police Department for the first time in over 160 years!
