Multiple Organizations Rally For Police Reform In Annapolis
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)-- High profile cases of police brutality dominating national headlines. Now lawmakers in Maryland are taking another look at the state laws involving police.
Meghan McCorkell has more.
Lawmakers have formed a work group for public safety. Tonight, they're hearing testimony from people who would like to see changes to the way police misconduct should be handled.
Seven hundred and thirty five days ago, 44-year-old Tyrone West died during a traffic stop with Baltimore City police. The officers involved were never charged.
"They're still walking the beat, business as usual," said Tawanda Jones.
Jones, West's sister, has fought for police reforms.
"What needs to happen is hold police accountable," she says.
Today, she joined other activists in Annapolis, calling for changes to state laws involving police.
"We do not want to have to feel that [if] we call the police that we may end up dead, or killed, said Gerald Standbury, of the NAACP.
A recent Wall Street Journal study found in misconduct cases, the nation's 10 largest police forces, including Baltimore City, paid out more than $248 million just last year.
Now, a general assembly panel is looking into how police are being held accountable in possible misconduct.
"The reason that we put this panel together is that we could come up with a comprehensive package that can get passed," said Sen. Catherine Pugh.
One thing under fire--the law enforcement bill of rights--which allows officers 10 days before they're questioned by a superior in a misconduct case.
Some say the bill of rights should remain.
"I think it's a good tool and hate to see a major change come to it," Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler says.
Now, all of it is under review.
The work group will hold more hearings to hear testimony from both the community and the police organization.
A city councilman has recently asked the state's attorney to review the death of Tyrone West.
