Baltimore Police Commissioner on Justice Review: Bring It On

The head of Baltimore Police says he welcomes additional scrutiny and reform, responding to the mayor’s announcement she is seeking a federal review of the department.

“I welcome with open arms the mayor’s request for a Department of Justice Review,” Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said in a statement Thursday.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced Wednesday she was asking federal officials to conduct a “pattern or practice” investigation, which assesses departmental patterns like excessive force; discriminatory policing; or improper stops, searches or arrests that may violate civil rights.

Batts said that he has been working on reform since the mayor brought him on board in 2012, instituting things from schedule changes to increase morale to installing a command staff chosen by community leaders.

According to Batts, Baltimore Police has seen complaints about discourtesy and excessive force drop—54 and 40 percent, respectively—in the past two years.

“We have never shied away from scrutiny or assistance,” Batts said. ”Our work is ongoing and anyone who wishes to be a part of helping the department better connect with the community will always be welcome.”

Read the full statement from Batts here.

• Mayor Asks Justice Department to Investigate Baltimore Police
• How 6 Officers Contributed to Death of Freddie Gray: State’s Attorney
• Bel Air Officer Charged in Freddie Gray Case Challenges Claims

Pictured, Police Commissioner at police headquarters in 2014. Photo Credit: Baltimore Police.