Following the Justice Department’s scathing report on the Baltimore Police department’s patterns and practices of civil rights violations and unconstitutional practices on blacks, women and the mentally ill, gender bias, inadequate training and a culture of years of profound blatant racism, there has been an outreach for ways to improve the Baltimore Police department. Improving the department will not be an easy fix after decades of malfeasance. And finding the answers will be like trying to end systemic racism in the overall society and fabric of America—only on a smaller scale. In the fourteen months following the April 12, 2015 arrest of Freddie Gray, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) investigated the department and found the Baltimore Police intentionally discriminated against residents, used excessive force, made unconstitutional stops and arrests and targeted African Americans, youth and mentally challenged individuals. And the Baltimore Police did not limit its … [Read more...] about Baltimore Police Dept. is a Micro System of Our Society
Freddie Gray
Freddie Gray Case Shows Need for Justice Department Oversight
As I sat through the three trials of Baltimore police officers charged with the death of Freddie Gray, it became apparent that the Baltimore police department needs serious independent oversight. Baltimore police cannot police their own police. Just like Freddie Gray, Dondi Johnson was another individual who sustained a fatal spine injury in a Baltimore police van. Johnson and others like Gray’s family received civil settlements. Since 2011, Baltimore City has paid over $13 million in police brutality cases, including alleged rough rides. These incidences, while difficult to prove a “rough ride” theory in a criminal court, should be the subject of Department of Justice oversight. The Department of Justice launched its investigation into the practices and patterns of the Baltimore police department in May, 2015. In the Freddie Gray trials, the state could not prove a rough ride existed, one where the van driver intentionally goes on a maniac driving pattern to rough up the prisoner … [Read more...] about Freddie Gray Case Shows Need for Justice Department Oversight
What Not Guilty for Baltimore Police Officer Means
On June 23, Caesar Goodson was acquitted of all charges stemming from the death of Freddie Gray. The most serious charges including 2nd degree murder were facing Goodson, along with manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. The trial and verdict were watched in the U.S. and abroad as the issue of police brutality took center stage. Immediately following the verdict, I spoke from the Baltimore Court house to Fox 5 DC. Here's the segment on Fox 5 DC: … [Read more...] about What Not Guilty for Baltimore Police Officer Means
Baltimore Police Officer Goodson Trial Recap before Verdict
Officer Caesar Goodson’s trial transcends beyond Baltimore in exposing difficulties in proving police brutality cases when relying on police to investigate other officers. Closing arguments begin on Monday, June 20, in the trial of Caesar Goodson, the van driver and third Baltimore officer, to go to trial for the death of Freddie Gray. Goodson’s trial exposed the heart of the problems with proving these officers guilty of the various crimes for which they are charged in Gray’s death. And Goodson’s trial transcends beyond Baltimore in exposing difficulties in proving police brutality cases when relying on police to investigate other officers. Gray died on April 19, 2015 after being placed in police custody in a police van without a seat belt on April 12, 2015. The state alleges he was given a “rough ride” by van driver officer Goodson, which ultimately resulted in his spinal injuries and death, along with a failure to seat belt Gray, to avoid injury. Goodson faces the most serious … [Read more...] about Baltimore Police Officer Goodson Trial Recap before Verdict
As the World Turns in Baltimore Police Officer Cases
There have been more twists and turns in the Baltimore police officers’ cases involving the death of Freddie Gray that anyone can count. The first two trials ended without a conviction. And today, more unlikeable twists and turns occurred in a Baltimore court room in the case of Caesar Goodson, the van driver. Goodson has been viewed by most persons, including some of his fellow officers as the most culpable one likely responsible for Gray’s death. The Baltimore City State’s Attorney office charged Goodson with the most serious crime of second degree murder-depraved heart along with manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office. Goodson’s trial started today with pre-trial motions where he elected a bench trial before Judge Barry Williams, to the surprise of many legal analysts, including myself. A defense motion was also granted that precludes the state from introducing the April 15, 2015 statement of William Porter. Porter allegedly told … [Read more...] about As the World Turns in Baltimore Police Officer Cases
High Stakes for Third Baltimore Police Officer Trial
The stakes are high for Baltimore City prosecutors as the third of six high profile police officer trials in the death of Freddie Gray starts on Monday, June 6 with Officer Caesar Goodson, the van driver. Prosecutors were unable to obtain a conviction in the first two trials of Officers Porter and Edward Nero. Porter’s case ended in a mistrial and Nero’s trial ended in an acquittal of all charges. Goodson is considered to be the most culpable of the six as he is the only officer charged with the highest charge of second degree “depraved heart” murder. And Goodson was driving the van in which the prosecutors allege the injuries occurred. Whether prosecutors will be able to convict Goodson of any charges remains to be seen. There is no doubt that high pressure is on the prosecutors in this case. There are several key things to watch for in Goodson’s case. First, Goodson did not give a statement to any investigators. And he has an absolute right to remain silent at his trial. The state … [Read more...] about High Stakes for Third Baltimore Police Officer Trial