What’s happening?
The Baltimore Police Department submitted to the city council on Friday a short-term plan to combat rising crime, David Collins reports for WBAL TV’s investigative team. The police issued the plan in response to demands from six city council members.
What measures does the plan include?
The plan, which runs from June to September, involves instituting wellness checks at businesses in areas with higher crime, increasing efforts to arrest repeat offenders with outstanding warrants, and expanding the use of license plate readers. Baltimore police will coordinate with federal, county, and state law enforcement agencies.
The document also includes measures to increase police presence in the field, including authorizing 300 additional hours of overtime each week and hiring 56 civilians to take over some desk jobs, so more officers can work in the field. The department also plans to hire a vendor to respond to minor car accidents.
Anything else I should know?
The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement also sent a letter to the council outlining a proposed budget to bolster its staff, partnerships, and infrastructure.
You can read more here.
