Baltimore Group Releases Findings On Police/Community Relations

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- The fight against police brutality continues in Annapolis. Many across Maryland are demanding change as lawmakers are hearing legislation on accountability for officers.

Rick Ritter has more on one group's six month investigation throughout west Baltimore.

It comes at a crucial time for police accountability legislation. Some feel officer/citizen relationships are broken across Baltimore and these changes will help turn that around.

"We are sick and tired of being tired," said Elder Clyde Harris.

Dozens in Annapolis continue to bash police brutality.

"There's problems in the community that have been going on for decades," said Will Marrow, a Sandtown resident.

Protests say relationships between officers and citizens across Baltimore are shattered.

"We've been crying this out for years but no one listens," Harris said.

West Baltimore Community Commission released a six month investigation Tuesday, conducted after the Freddie Gray riots.

The group interviewed 453 people living in Sandtown-Winchester who claim they experienced police misconduct over the years. They say only 39 would give their name---and that 92% fear police retaliation.

"We're distant at this time and they're afraid and there's tension," Harris said.

Harris and others are fighting for reforms in police accountability legislation, asking for anti-racism and de-escalation training for officers and civilian involvement when investigating an officer for misconduct.

"Where do we go? Where do we turn?" Marrow said.

Just a few priorities on what they call a long to do list.

"We really need to show the community that we're doing something to bring about change," Harris said.

Commissioner Kevin Davis released a statement Tuesday on the legislation, saying how important it is to improve the relationship between police and the community. He says he's open to civilian involvement for police hearings and agrees that officers need to be held accountable when misconduct occurs.

Lawmakers are hearing close to 30 bills alone on police accountability and brutality.