Sunny, not too humid, with highs in the mid 80s. Another one just like it tomorrow.
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh will issue new guidelines to police departments in the state, warning against racial profiling. The guidelines advise that state and federal laws prevent police from considering race, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability when “conducting routine police activity unconnected from an investigation of a specific crime, organization, or scheme.” These personal characteristics should only be considered when they’re “directly relevant.”
Check the numbers. Police critics have long complained that discriminatory policing strains trust in the police and creates long-term pain for communities. Practices like “clearing the corner” use minor arrests to sweep areas known for drugs and violence. In Baltimore, black residents (64% of the city) are disproportionately arrested for minor crimes like trespassing (84% of arrests) and loitering (93%). More arrests leave more people with criminal records – making it difficult to find work and housing, even for minor offenses.
Last night, the city council grilled Baltimore City Schools CEO Gregory Thornton over principal turnover and how the district handled budget-cut layoffs earlier this year. 30 principals of the city’s 180+ schools left their jobs in the last school year – with 8 vacancies still unfilled just days before the school year starts. Thornton says they’re trying to hire new principals ASAP.
What else? Thornton defended his handling of over 100 layoffs, and noted that some employees were being rehired. The schools CEO also complained to the council that Baltimore was not spending enough on the district (the city chips in $258 million, the state gives $900 million).
Two men were arrested attempting to smuggle drugs and porn into a Cumberland state prison using a drone. The men were caught with the quadcopter after parking their truck outside the prison. Prison contraband drone deliveries have started happening in other states, but this is the first incident in Maryland. Tech to detect drones could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
No, you can’t ride a horse on city streets. Men riding horses were seen on North Avenue Sunday night, near a police crackdown on illegal dirt biking. Since video of the horseback riders went viral, city officials are reminding that the activity is illegal, too.