Improving public safety and enhancing trust in policing was the goal for law enforcement officers across Maryland as we worked with members of the General Assembly in 2021.
Dozens of bills were introduced that addressed nearly every aspect of policing, passing the Maryland General Assembly, and becoming law, despite vetoes by Governor Hogan.
Now, as we look to the enactment of these laws, over 70 percent of Maryland officers feel they are less effective at keeping their communities safe with reform legislation in place. In addition, morale and community support are low—nearly 80 percent of officers feel morale on their patrol is negative and 95 percent agree that the community’s perception of police officers has changed significantly over the last few years.
Maryland’s public safety officers will work this year to help lawmakers understand the detrimental effects to their communities from legislation passed last year, including the use of force law, the release of personnel records, and the due process sections of the new reform legislation.
It’s expected that many members of the Maryland General Assembly will continue their relentless assault on law enforcement, despite crime being at some of the highest levels in recent memory throughout Maryland communities.
Law enforcement officers across the state want to work collaboratively with elected officials to enact laws that actually improve public safety and trust in policing while preserving law enforcement officers and their profession.
“[The bill] will result in great damage to police recruitment and retention, posing significant risks to public safety throughout our state.”