Large Turnout In Annapolis To Rally Against Police Brutality

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Demanding accountability. A large turnout in Annapolis to rally against police brutality in Maryland.

Rick Ritter has more on the legislation many are pushing for.

It has to do with the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and proposed changes. Months after the death of Freddie Gray, lawmakers are now hearing close to 30 bills alone on police accountability and brutality.

Powerful words from the Baltimore City Delegation Room; a packed house in Annapolis is where many plead for an end to police brutality and change in police accountability.

Marion Gray-Hopkins' son was fatally shot by police in Prince George's County.

"I don't want any family member, any mother, to wake up and have the loss we feel," she said.

But cites the recent deaths of Freddie Gray, which sparked riots, and Tyrone West for the reason their voices are finally being heard.

"Baltimore has been the icing on the cake. It has given us the visibility that we need to bring about change," said Gray-Hopkins.

The group's objections are centered around one proposal that would change the makeup of the board that investigates police brutality complaints.

This, in the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights, where they want civilians on the trial board instead of officers being able to select one of the members.

"If I, as an officer, am accused of brutality, I can choose my own brother to be a member of the trial board," one man said.

What many call a deal breaker in allowing them to support the legislation.

Testimony that was heard Tuesday, but is far from a decision.

"Because we're asking for changes, we're not going with the bill as it stands today, I think there will be some discussion and it may take a bit longer--but we're ready for the wait," said Gray-Hopkins.

There are a lot of recommendations in the bill that many agree with, including more mental testing for officers and giving residents more time to file police brutality complaints.

The bill also calls for reducing the ten-day rule to five days. That's the amount of time given to officers accused of misconduct before they must cooperate with an internal investigation.

The original bill was signed into law back in 1974.