The era of zero-tolerance policing appears to be over in Baltimore after impassioned testimony by police commissioner designee Frederick Bealefeld touting a more communityfriendly approach was given during a hearing Wednesday evening to affirm his appointment as the city?s top cop.
“We cannot declare war on every drug addict,” he said to members of the City Council who question the commissioner designee for several hours. “We can?t tell police to go and arrest everyone you can however you can.”
Getting officers out of their cars and into the streets was essential to fighting crime and improving community relations, Bealefeld said.
“In the city, cops go from crisis to crisis, so they?re used to seeing citizens of Baltimore in an adversarial light,” he said.
“I?ve got to get them out of the cars, and build trust with the people.”
Mayor Sheila Dixon named Bealefeld, a 27-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department, as permanent commissioner on Oct. 4. He had served as interim commissioner since Leonard Hamm was forced out in July.
Although most of the council members and citizens testifying Wednesday heartily endorsed Bealefeld, a former deputy commissioner under Hamm, some asked tough questions.
Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, D-District 14, said her constituents complained that police did not always take reports.
“I can say that there is no order from on high telling officers not to take reports or cover up crime,” Bealefeld responded.
Councilman Jack Young, D-District 12, voiced concerns about diversity of the command staff, echoing concerns recently raised by the NAACP about the low numbers of blacks in high positions.
“We need more African-Americans promoted to major and lieutenants,” Young said.
Bealefeld said he agreed with Young?s comments, noting in his opening remarks that increasing diversity was one of his priorities.
“The diversity of our department, especially at the higher levels, is a major concern for many people. I understand that concern, and I believe it needs to be addressed.”
