Baltimore PD to Enact Reforms in 2020, Despite Delays

City and police leaders say Baltimore residents should start to see the Police Department’s consent decree reforms on the street for the first time in 2020, but many key initiatives are delayed as well.

Officers have been trained on a new use-of-force policy this year, and they are expected to be taught new policies this year on stops, searches and arrests; fair and impartial policing; and behavioral health. More than 200 officers are expected to receive additional week-long training in crisis intervention, reports the Baltimore Sun .

“When those trainings come into play, the community should start to feel benefits,” said Deputy Chief Daniel Murphy, a civilian who was brought to Baltimore earlier this year by Commissioner Michael Harrison to oversee the reform process.

Baltimore entered into the consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice in April 2017. In the past year, the department has moved from drafting policies to beginning to train officers on those policies, said Murphy. He said police have been taking steps to efficiently address the demands of the consent decree.

However, in recent weeks, the city has requested extensions in meeting a number of reform deadlines.

Despite the delays, City Solicitor Andre Davis said he has been reassured the city is on track toward eventual compliance under Harrison’s leadership.