The Justice Department and the City of Baltimore jointly filed a motion seeking court approval to declare that the city and the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) have fully complied with key provisions of a consent decree concerning First Amendment rights, community oversight, and coordination with the Baltimore City School Police.
The motion is based on BPD’s consistent progress in meeting the goals outlined in the consent decree. According to reports from the independent monitor, BPD has been found to be in full compliance with all three relevant sections. If the court approves the motion, BPD will need to maintain compliance for one year before the court can terminate these sections of the decree.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division commented on the matter, saying, “The First Amendment’s protections are fundamental to a free society, and the Baltimore Police Department has successfully implemented reforms proven to protect people’s rights during protests and demonstrations.” She added, “The 2020 racial justice demonstrations and protests posed serious challenges to law enforcement nationwide.
