BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, April 7, 2021) — Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement regarding the Maryland Senate’s Passage of BPD local control:

The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor provided a much-needed gut check for the nation and forced mayors to reimagine the future of policing in our communities. This is a charge that I eagerly accepted as Baltimore Mayor.

Defining what policing looks like is by far the most consequential decision any local government can make, which is why I spent a decade advocating for local control of the Baltimore Police Department. But thanks to Maryland Senator Cory McCray, Delegate Melissa Wells, and a host of grassroots activists, Baltimore City is no longer the only jurisdiction in Maryland that does not have direct oversight of its police department. I want to thank the Baltimore House and Senate Delegation for their determined effort to uphold justice, accountability, and democracy through the passing of Senate Bill 786. This bill will allow us to further improve policing and fulfill essential Consent Decree requirements.

I am also delivering on another priority by establishing a Task Force with representatives from City government and the community to develop a five-year budget reduction plan for the Baltimore Police Department. As my administration works tirelessly to reimagine policing in Baltimore, we must ensure that City resources are being used effectively and efficiently. The Task Force will be charged with identifying reductions that can be made responsibly over time while creating a blueprint that diverts appropriate service requests so officers can focus efforts on reducing violent crime.

Answering national calls for justice starts at home by fostering an environment of policing that is transparent and accountable. Today, I am proud to say that Baltimore is moving in the right direction.