As police officers pulled over motorists across the street, Baltimore residents and politicians gathered at a west Baltimore church Wednesday evening to discuss what they consider to be a rash of unjust arrests.
The town hall meeting was organized by the Rev. Charles Neal, whose story of what he called an illegal arrest first appeared in The Examiner. Neal was joined at Greater Harvest Church of God on Fulton Street by City State?s Attorney Patricia Jessemy, City Council Member Kenneth Harris (D-4th District), and former mayoral candidate Andre Bundley. The politicians, along with dozens of city residents, discussed what they said were flaws in the city?s police strategy.
“It?s a matter of justice. I don?t believe individuals that urinate on the street are a threat to our peace and safety,” Jessamy said, referring to the increase in arrests that she said has overwhelmed her office.
Jessamy said her decline rate ? the number of cases her office does not prosecute ? has increased from 17 percent in 2000 to 35 percent in 2006, in part because police are making improper arrests.
“Some, but not all arrests are made without probable cause,” she added.
Harris asked if police officers are being pressured to fill arrest quotas. He added that the police department has yet to answer his questions.
“We have yet to get answers from the police department on this question,” he said. “It?s frustrating,” he said.
Police CommissionerLeonard Hamm was invited to the meeting, but he declined to attend. In several Examiner stories, the police department has denied it has arrest quotas.
Still, many residents of the neighborhood asked why they were being frisked by police officers just for standing on the street.
“On Tuesdays and Thursdays they frisk any men standing together,” said resident Keith Fryson. “It?s called jump-out day,” he said.
