The Maryland House of Delegates approved an extensive police reform measure on Thursday that includes repeal of job protections long criticized for impeding accountability in misconduct cases.
The bill, which passed on a 96-40 vote, would require body cameras by 2025. It also would put limitations on no-knock warrants and create a statewide use-of-force standard that bans chokeholds and creates a duty to intervene.
Del. Vanessa Atterbeary, a Howard County Democrat who chaired a workgroup on police reforms that helped shape the legislation, described the measure as “a huge leap forward in terms of police reform for the state of Maryland.”
“This legislation isn’t anti-police,” Atterbeary said. “In fact, the police were involved in every aspect of negotiations along with the advocates in this legislation. This legislation is about moving towards a Maryland where all citizens, all citizens, receive the same treatment by the police.”
Opponents contended the measure goes too far and will erode law enforcement in the state.
Del. Haven Shoemaker, a Carroll County Republican, said officers have told him the bill “will make their lives difficult, if not impossible” and cause police to quit throughout the state.
“So, ultimately we won’t have to worry about either defunding or defanging the police, because we won’t have any officers to defund or defang,” Shoemaker said.
It was said police had input in this, but I didn’t see any in this chit. All it references is how to control police. Why are police hired? They are hired to keep control in the community. It would be a sad, bad place to reside without them. How many of these “lawmakers” have worked the job enforcing the law, what percent? That’s what I thought, politicians that most of the time haven’t even had or held a job. Thank you to police officers. Please hold your head up as long as you are able to hold the job. I sure don’t fault you to seek a more stable and better life. I will continue protecting mine, even if this great state doesn’t want me to.
““This legislation isn’t anti-police,” Atterbeary said. “In fact, the police were involved in every aspect of negotiations along with the advocates in this legislation.”
Can someone ask her what police officers were involved in every aspect of the negotiations? Who are the “police” that she is referring to? I am in law enforcement and I don’t know any police officer is this state or this country that supports this anti-police legislation!
Delegate Wayne Hartman
Over the last two nights, we were on the House floor debating the Police Reform Bill. Not one Republican amendment was accepted onto the bill. As it stands, our men and women of law enforcement will be severely disadvantaged. The bill only allows warrants to be served from 8 am to 7 pm and requires a 30-second delay before entering. These ridiculous requirements should allow criminals in MD to “sleep well.” Also, new “superhuman” standards are being set that will make law enforcement second guess and question their every move in the use of force. Law enforcement works in these tense and evolving situations with many uncertainties as they try to protect us; these new laws, if passed, are unrealistic, unfair, and dangerous. This bill can make those protecting us the felon; this is pure insanity. Sadly this bill passed the House tonight. On a positive note;It was good to see law enforcement from across the state here yesterday, especially those from Wicomico and Worcester Counties.
Long overdue in that state. Some cops have ruined people’s lives for decades and faced no punishment for illegally doing so. Like so many like to shout from their rooftop, if the cops are not doing anything wrong, they have nothing to worry about.
How many times have we heard things like that directed at us?
And how many people’s lives have been ruined by criminals?? I bet a helluva lot more than police “ruining” lives ,as you say.
Obey the constitution and issue concealed carry permits!!!
the plan goes like this, undermine the police so they are unable to perform their duties. then when the public clamors for something to be done about it, institute marshal law.. See how it works to control you peons?