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May 7, 2015

Mayor Seeks Justice Dept. Probe of Baltimore Police 
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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.
bq. 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 — 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.

 

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