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Mayor Seeks Justice Dept. Probe of Baltimore Police

HeadlineMay 07, 2015

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.

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, exist within our — 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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