In the national dialogue of police accountability measures, we hear things like banning chokeholds, banning no knock warrants, independent prosecutors and more. These are not bad proposals, but as stand alone policies, keep the current regime of policing in tact. These are minor tweaks that can be sold to the public as sweeping reforms.

Without policies that fundamentally change the institution of law enforcement, these kinds of measures are band-aids on a corrupt system. This week, versions of the previously mentioned policies have been heard, and again, while these policies are not bad, they must be accompanied by policies that shift power over the nature of policing into the hands of the community. Otherwise the legislative action will become symbol, without substance.

Since the global marches and demonstrations against police brutality in 2020, there have been many conversations in the Maryland General Assembly about legislations to address policy brutality and accountability. For the past five years, LBS and many other organizations have been consistent voices in Annapolis concerning these issues.

Part One: “What is LEOBOR (Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights)?”, streamed Tuesday, July 28, 2020 on Facebook Live @citydelegation. Featured panelists include: Maryland State Senator Jill P. Carter, Baltimore City – 41st Legislative District; Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy – Leaders of A Beautiful Struggle; Joseph A. McMillan, Past National President – National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives.