By Suzie Ziegler
EASTON, Md. Police reforms to take effect July 1 in Maryland have worried local law enforcement officers, the star democrat reported this week. Concerns focus on new policies on the use of force and investigations into officer misconduct, the report said.
The Police Reform and Accountability Act of 2021 was passed last year after the state legislature successfully lifted two vetoes from Governor Larry Hogan, the report said. Hogan feared the bill would make police discipline less consistent, undermine police leaders and violate due process for officers. Some law enforcement officials agree.
Baltimore City Police Instructors speak with police trainees during defense tactics training, Wednesday, August 4, 2021, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)
Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble says the wording in the new violence use policy isn’t clear, but officers must sign a statement confirming they understand it.
“It’s like playing the game and telling the players what the rules are after the game,” Gamble told the Star Democrat.
The new law changes the conditions for the use of force from “reasonable and objective” to “necessary and proportionate,” the report said.
Dorchester County Sheriff Jimmy Phillips echoed Gamble’s concerns about the vague language and said he believes the new standards will increase crime.
“I think the way the legislature has captivated the police will lead to an incredible spike in crime,” Phillips told the Star Democrat. “John Q. Citizen has no idea what law enforcement has done.”
Police leaders also fear the reforms will lead to more sporadic disciplinary proceedings for officers.
“This bill has effectively repealed police officer rights and introduced new policies and procedures for public complaints only that will create disciplinary proceedings,” said Darren Popkin, the Montgomery County Sheriff.
The reform bill instructs counties to establish their own police accountability committees, putting the statewide disciplinary matrix “on the move,” Popkin told the Star Democrat. The law also places the final disciplinary authority on the courts, not the police chief or sheriff.
Gamble is concerned that the policy will undermine law enforcement leaders and make it harder to get rid of bad cops.
“I will have no disciplinary authority over my deputies,” Gamble told the Star Democrat. “What’s the point of having a sheriff or police chief?” he asked.
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