Baltimore Police Misconduct Highlights Need for Urgent Reform

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Jaemaun Joyner was mistakenly identified and arrested by Baltimore police while filming a memorial video.
The arrest involved excessive force, including a gun pressed to Joyner’s temple and being pinned to the ground.
The Baltimore Police Department is investigating the incident for potential policy violations.
The State’s Attorney’s Office has decided not to pursue criminal charges against the involved officers.
The Baltimore City Accountability Board has called for the officer’s suspension and a transparent investigation.
The incident raises broader concerns about police misconduct and the need for ongoing reforms within the police department.

Baltimore Police Excessive Force Incident Sparks Outrage and Calls for Reform

On May 23, 2024, a routine police operation in Baltimore took an unexpected turn, leading to widespread concerns about police conduct and the use of excessive force. Jaemaun Joyner, a 24-year-old man, found himself at the center of a controversy that has reignited debates about police accountability and reform in the city.

The Incident: A Case of Mistaken Identity

Joyner was filming a video for a memorial when Baltimore police officers, searching for an armed robbery suspect, mistakenly identified him as their target. What followed was a forceful arrest that has since been scrutinized by the public, legal experts, and city officials alike.

According to Joyner’s attorneys, the police used excessive force during the arrest. Body-worn camera footage reveals a particularly alarming moment when an officer pressed a gun to Joyner’s temple while he was restrained. The video also shows officers yelling at Joyner and one officer pressing his knee into Joyner’s chest, with Joyner complaining of difficulty breathing (WBAL).

Source: WBAL

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The incident is currently under investigation by the Baltimore Police Department’s Public Integrity Bureau’s Special Investigations Response Team. While charges against Joyner were dismissed for further investigation, the police officer’s conduct remains under review.

Despite the State’s Attorney’s Office deciding not to pursue criminal charges against the officer, the police department will finalize its investigation for potential policy violations. The investigation will be reviewed by the Administrative Charging Committee for any administrative charges (Fox Baltimore).

Source: WBAL

Police Commissioner’s Response

Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley has defended the officer’s actions, stating that the officer was doing his job and reacting to a potentially dangerous situation. This response has added fuel to the ongoing debate about police tactics and the need for reform.

Community and Accountability Board Reaction

The incident has sparked strong reactions from the community and the Baltimore City Accountability Board. The board has demanded that the officer be placed on leave and has called for a transparent investigation. Joshua Harris, the board chair, stated that pointing a gun at a subdued subject is not justifiable and called for rigorous training on de-escalation (YouTube).

Public defenders and community members have expressed concern over the incident, linking it to broader issues of police misconduct and the need for reforms. The incident has reignited discussions about the implementation of reforms under a federal consent decree, which was put in place to address systemic issues within the Baltimore Police Department.

Source: WBAL

Broader Implications and Ongoing Challenges

The Joyner incident highlights ongoing challenges in policing practices, particularly within the District Action Team (DAT) unit. This unit has been subject to numerous investigations and complaints, raising questions about its effectiveness and adherence to reformed policing standards.

Public defenders in Baltimore have reported seeing numerous questionable stops and what appears to be falsely generated reasons for stops, indicating a potential resurgence of old-school policing practices. These concerns underscore the importance of continued oversight and reform efforts within the Baltimore Police Department.

As the investigation into the Joyner incident continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done in improving police-community relations and ensuring accountability within law enforcement agencies. The outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for police reform efforts not in Baltimore and potentially across the nation.

FAQ

Q: What led to the excessive force incident involving Jaemaun Joyner?
A: Jaemaun Joyner was mistakenly identified as a robbery suspect while filming a memorial video, leading to a forceful arrest by Baltimore police.

Q: What evidence supports claims of excessive force?
A: Body-worn camera footage shows alarming moments during Joyner’s arrest, including an officer pressing a gun to his temple and using a knee on his chest despite his complaints of difficulty breathing.

Q: What actions have been taken regarding the officers involved?
A: The Baltimore Police Department’s Public Integrity Bureau is investigating the incident. While no criminal charges were pursued against the officer, it remains under review for potential policy violations.

Q: How has the community reacted to the incident?
A: Community members and the Baltimore City Accountability Board have expressed outrage, calling for the officer’s suspension and emphasizing the need for better de-escalation training.

Q: What are the broader implications of this incident?
A: The incident underscores ongoing challenges in policing practices and could impact future reform efforts not just in Baltimore but across the nation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.