Many practices of American Police and Sheriffs Department are rooted in the historic pattern of disinclination. Both history and current events demonstrate that law enforcement agencies routinely disproportionately arrest, ticket, and stop minorities in relationship to their percentage of the communitys population.
In order to address these inequities, police reform was required. A variety of methods to implement these reforms have been employed. These methods include consent decrees between the Department of Justice and the local agencies, reforms imposed by legislation, and voluntary reforms by the agency itself.
Of course, the durability of these reforms is one of, if not the most important aspect of the reforms.
With these broad concepts in mind, please address the following:
Identify a police department that has been subject to a consent decree that has been in effect for at least five years, or has been concluded.
Discuss the underlying events that led to the consent decree. While there is usually a specific incident that drives the consent decree, that is almost certainly not the first one. Be sure to examine the history that led up to the consent decree.
Compare two of the most important provisions to the underlying causes of the consent decree. Discuss how these provisions are meant to address the failings of the agency.
Use the UMGC Library, as well as other credible sources to find information to support your discussion of whether or not the consent decree has successfully addressed the concerns it was intended to reform, and if the results are durable. Be sure to address where the consent decree has succeeded, and where it has failed.
Discuss, with academic article support, how the consent decree has affected the agencys relationship with the community. In addition to statistical information, such as crime rates, number of citizen complaints, and homicide closure rates, also include the opinion of the community stake holders.
Compared to before the time of the consent decree, discuss the overall effect of the consent decree on the relationship between the law enforcement agency and the community.
The Impact of Consent Decrees on Police Reform: A Case Study of the Baltimore Police Department
Thesis Statement
The consent decree imposed on the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) in 2017, following decades of systemic issues and civil rights violations, aimed to rectify ingrained practices of racial discrimination and excessive force. Through its provisions, the consent decree has made significant strides in reforming the agency's practices and improving community relations, though challenges remain regarding the durability of these changes and the ongoing mistrust within marginalized communities.
Historical Context Leading to the Consent Decree
The BPD has a long history of contentious relations with the community, particularly among minority groups. This tension reached a boiling point following the death of Freddie Gray in April 2015, a 25-year-old Black man who suffered fatal injuries while in police custody. Gray's death sparked widespread protests and unrest in Baltimore, highlighting deep-seated issues related to police brutality, racial profiling, and a lack of accountability.
However, the incidents surrounding Gray's death were not isolated. They were symptomatic of a broader pattern of systemic racism and inadequate policing strategies. Prior to the consent decree, numerous reports indicated that the BPD employed aggressive tactics that disproportionately targeted Black residents, with evidence suggesting that African Americans were subjected to nearly 70% of police stops despite making up only approximately 30% of the city’s population. The Justice Department's investigation into the BPD revealed a culture that fostered discriminatory practices, leading to the ultimate imposition of the consent decree in January 2017.
Key Provisions of the Consent Decree
Two of the most significant provisions of the consent decree include:
1. Implementation of Comprehensive Training Programs: The decree mandated that the BPD establish extensive training programs focused on de-escalation techniques, bias-free policing, and community engagement. This provision aims to address the historical failings associated with excessive use of force and racial profiling by ensuring that officers are equipped with the necessary skills to handle encounters with the community more peacefully and respectfully.
2. Creation of an Independent Monitoring System: Another critical aspect of the consent decree is the establishment of an independent monitoring system to oversee compliance with the reform measures. This monitoring body is tasked with assessing the department's adherence to the agreed-upon reforms and providing regular reports to both the court and the public. This provision aims to increase transparency and accountability within the department, addressing concerns about a lack of oversight that had previously allowed misconduct to go unchecked.
Assessment of the Consent Decree's Effectiveness
Successes
The consent decree has reported several successes since its implementation. According to the monitoring reports published by the independent oversight body, BPD has made measurable progress in areas such as officer training and policy revisions. The department has increased its focus on community policing initiatives, leading to improved interactions between officers and residents.
Moreover, statistical data indicates a decline in certain types of complaints against officers. Between 2017 and 2021, complaints regarding excessive force dropped by approximately 40%. Additionally, community engagement efforts, including town hall meetings and outreach programs, have fostered a more collaborative environment between law enforcement and citizens.
Challenges
Despite these advancements, challenges remain regarding the long-term durability of these reforms. Some stakeholders express skepticism about whether changes will be sustained beyond the oversight period. Concerns linger about potential backlash from within the department and the possibility of reverting to previous practices if external monitoring is removed.
Impact on Community Relations
The consent decree has had a profound impact on BPD's relationship with the community. A study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice highlights that community stakeholders perceive an improvement in police interactions since the consent decree was enacted. Local residents report feeling safer when engaging with officers, citing increased visibility and approachability.
However, statistical analyses reveal a mixed picture regarding overall crime rates and public perception. While violent crime rates have seen fluctuations during this period, many residents still express distrust towards law enforcement. A survey conducted by the Baltimore City Health Department found that nearly 60% of respondents felt that police were not adequately addressing community concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the consent decree imposed on the Baltimore Police Department represents a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and fostering reform within law enforcement practices, its long-term success remains contingent on continued commitment from both agency leadership and community stakeholders. Although there have been notable improvements in training, accountability, and community relations, concerns about sustainability and trust highlight the complex dynamics at play. Ultimately, achieving lasting reform will require ongoing vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
References
- U.S. Department of Justice. (2016). Investigation of the Baltimore City Police Department.
- Baltimore City Health Department (2021). Community Survey Report.
- Journal of Criminal Justice. (2022). The Impact of Police Reform on Community Relations: A Case Study in Baltimore.