Category Archives: Police Misconduct
When Can Maryland Police Officers Make Warrantless Arrests?
Under U.S. federal and Maryland state laws, police officers must normally obtain a warrant before making an arrest. Depriving a person of their constitutional right to liberty without a warrant generally qualifies as police misconduct. That being said, Maryland law does provide a number of exceptions to this rule. In narrowly tailored situations, Maryland… Read More »
Baltimore Civilians to Serve on Review Board for Police Misconduct
The City of Baltimore is presently accepting applications from civilians to serve on a review board for police misconduct, according to an article by The Baltimore Sun. City government officials made this announcement on April 24, 2019, ushering in a new era of police review and accountability. Residents of Baltimore can apply for each… Read More »
Maryland Requirements for the Investigation of Police Brutality
Maryland state law has specific requirements in place for the investigation of alleged incidents of police brutality. In any situation where the alleged offender could face termination or other disciplinary action, the corresponding investigation must occur in accordance with Maryland Code of Public Safety Section 3-104. Complaint In order to trigger a police brutality… Read More »
Examining Different Types of Liability for Police Misconduct Claims
When a person suffers harm or injury due to police misconduct, the officers involved can face civil liability in a variety of ways. Whether an officer actually causes harm or injury — or simply looks the other way — they can face liability in a personal capacity. Additionally, entire police departments can face liability… Read More »
Survey of 4 Common Types of Police Misconduct
Police misconduct is a general term that applies whenever a law enforcement officer violates a person’s civil rights. As there are many civil rights under U.S. federal and Maryland state laws, there are also many different types of police misconduct. Though many police misconduct cases fall into one of these four categories: Excessive Force,… Read More »
Former Baltimore Cop Admits Police Misconduct to FBI
A former Baltimore police officer confessed various incidents of police misconduct to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), reported The Baltimore Sun. The office in question admitted that he filed false police reports, committed theft and used electronic surveillance improperly. After leaving the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), the officer took a position with the… Read More »
Police Misconduct and the Fourth Amendment
Many police misconduct cases center on a violation of constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Featured as part of the original Bill of Rights, the Fourth Amendment protects privacy rights by preventing unreasonable government interference in everyday life. In the law enforcement context, the Fourth Amendment sets the standard for… Read More »
Review Board Sues Baltimore Police Department for Misconduct Files
The Baltimore Civilian Review Board (Board) filed a lawsuit to force the city police department to turn over records and documents related to allegations of police misconduct, reported The Baltimore Sun. The Board is a civilian agency that oversees claims of abuse against officers in the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). The Board is made… Read More »
Baltimore Police Officer Terminated for Drinking On Duty
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) terminated a rookie officer for police misconduct that involved drinking while on duty, reported NBC affiliate WBAL-TV. After his arrest, the officer registered a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) that was well above the legal limit. This incident traces back to Tuesday, October 2, 2018. On that day, several witnesses noticed… Read More »
Baltimore Civilian Review Board Subpoenas Police for Misconduct Records
The Civilian Review Board (the Board) voted unanimously to subpoena 19 case records from the Baltimore Police Department (the Department) concerning potential police misconduct and abuse, reported The Baltimore Sun. Without these files, the Board will be unable to carry out its missing of investigating allegations of police misconduct. This is the latest development… Read More »
