Dept. Of Justice Meets With Residents In West Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's been one week since the Department of Justice revealed some troubling practices within the Baltimore Police Department.
On Thursday, community members in West Baltimore sat down with representatives from the D.O.J.'s civil rights division, giving their input on what needs to change.
"That's why we are here... to listen to what you have to say, to listen to your suggestions," a Department of Justice official said.
"If you know that your voice is being recorded right there, you are right in front of the people that can actually make this change happen. That gives you hope," said Ray Kelly, No Boundaries Coalition.
The Justice Department is currently shaping a set of guidelines that Baltimore police will have to follow -- so whatever residents say could very well end up in the final version, a consent decree.
"You have to make room and be open for change, and this is a step in that direction," said Joel White.
"I think many, many forums are necessary. And then when they acquire the information and when they get the information, they train police officers so they can apply the information to the community that they serve," said Tamara McCall.
City leaders were front and center as the Justice Department revealed the embarrassing findings. Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis said some changes have already been made.
"We will be better. We will prove it to the world, to this city, that it can and will be done in Baltimore, and Baltimore will be the model for this nation," Comm. Davis said.
The Department of Justice says it will continue to gather even more community input. You can do so by going to a meeting or by emailing your comments to them.
Final negotiations for the consent decree are expected in November.
