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Baltimore Mayor Wants Federal Investigation Into Police Abuse in the City

Baltimore’s mayor has asked the Justice Department (DOJ) to carry out a civil rights investigation into the Baltimore City Police Department over questions regarding whether a pattern or practice of abuse exists within the force.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s request comes less than a week after officials in Baltimore charged six police officers in relation to the case of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who died on April 19 from injuries sustained while in police custody. She said despite efforts to institute police reforms, it was clear more needed to be done.

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In a Tuesday meeting with newly sworn-in US Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, the mayor called on the DOJ to investigate contributing factors to excessive force and discriminatory policing, and determine whether the Baltimore Police Department had “engaged in a pattern of stops, searches, or arrests that violate the Fourth amendment.”

“We have to have a foundation of trust,” she said, “And I believe that we need the assistance of the Department of Justice and the civil rights investigation to shore up that foundation, which is weak right now in this city.”

While announcing the investigation request, Rawlings-Blake also noted that Baltimore police officers would be equipped with body cameras by the end of 2015.

In response to the request, Justice Department spokesperson Dena Iverson issued a statement saying the office was considering the request.

“The Attorney General has received Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s request for a Civil Rights Division ‘pattern or practice’ investigation into the Baltimore Police Department,” Iverson said. “The Attorney General is actively considering that option in light of what she heard from law enforcement, city officials, and community, faith and youth leaders in Baltimore yesterday.”

The DOJ opened a federal civil rights investigation looking specifically into the death of Freddie Gray on April 21, to determine whether civil rights violations took place during his arrest. The Justice Department launched the probe as protesters took to the streets of West Baltimore, where Gray lived and was arrested, demanding justice.

A department-wide investigation would add to the ongoing DOJ program in the city investigating police brutality through the Collaborative Reform Initiative for Technical Assistance, which was requested by city officials and initiated six months before Freddie Gray’s death.

The Ferguson Police Department underwent a federal civil rights investigation after Officer Darren Wilson shot and killed unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in August. The inquiry found the Missouri force employed discriminatory practices, specifically towards African Americans, in its policing.

Like the Gray case, the Justice Department also carried out a separate civil rights investigation into Wilson’s actions specifically, ultimately deciding not to pursue federal charges. According to the findings, the police actions during the incident “[did] not constitute a prosecutable violation.” It also determined there was no evidence negating Wilson’s claims that he feared for his safety during the deadly altercation with Brown.

An investigation carried out by the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office ruled Gray’s death a homicide, resulting in charges against six city police officers in connection with the murder. Since Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced the findings and charges on May 1, the weeks-long protests that gripped the city in the wake of Gray’s death have subsided. 

Follow Kayla Ruble on Twitter: @RubleKB