Baltimore Police Ordered to Maintain Open Lobbies 24/7

BALTIMORE — All Baltimore police districts received orders Tuesday to maintain lobbies that are accessible to the public 24/7.

The orders come after a man claimed he had difficulties reporting an alleged mugging that took place on the Gwynns Falls Trail on June 15.

Connor Meek said he was put on hold for too long of a time after calling 911, and when he tried to walk to the nearest police district, he said he was met with several other hurdles, including being told that the district was closed.

Meek said he was elated after hearing of the department’s decision to change its policy.

“Just the fact that the police were able to come forward and say, ‘Wow, this is wrong,’ I mean, two days after they read something, a day they can come forward, say, ‘This is wrong, we’re changing this right now,’ we have to respect and appreciate that,” Meek said.

Baltimore City police released a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying:

“This incident is alarming and disappointing, we want to assure our communities the Baltimore Police Department is here to serve them and ensure their safety, regardless of the time of day. Earlier today, Chief of Patrol, Colonel Darryl DeSousa, has ordered all police districts to maintain lobbies that are accessible to the public 24 hours a day. In the past, some districts have had to temporarily close their front desks during the overnight hours due to manpower shortages. The Baltimore Police Department has initiated an investigation following the allegations made earlier this week by a citizen’s op-ed published in a local newspaper.”