The mayor of Baltimore has asked the Justice Department to investigate the city’s police force in the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray. Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said the review should focus on whether police tactics violate civil rights and constitutional protections.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake: “I’m asking the Department of Justice to investigate if our police department has engaged in a pattern or practice of stops, searches or arrests that violate the Fourth Amendment. I am asking that they investigate what systematic changes, or systemic changes, exist within our — excuse me, challenges exist within our police department that can contribute to excessive force and discriminatory policing. At the end of this process, I will hold those accountable if change is not made.”
Justice Department reviews of other police forces nationwide have led to consent decrees that mandate changes. Rawlings-Blake’s request came one day after Attorney General Loretta Lynch visited Baltimore.