Next BPD commissioner needs a new strategy

Mayor Catherine Pugh’s pick for Baltimore police commissioner — newly retired New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison — officially assumes his role this week and kicks off a series of community meetings ahead of a vote on his nomination. While he has been widely praised as a solid choice, and a particular improvement over the mayor’s first pick, it may be time to pause and think about the path forward for the beleaguered department.

Since the year 2000, the Baltimore Police Department has had nine commissioners, interim and otherwise; Mr. Harrison will be the tenth (and the fifth just since 2015). We have seen time and again that bringing in a new commissioner, no matter how good they may be, who then appoints a few friends and colleagues to key positions, does not produce the organizational transformation required for a 21st-century police department.

The Baltimore Police Department in particular needs more. It has been hobbled by community mistrust, corrupt practices and incompetence, along with a lack of quality leadership at all levels. These problems have been mounting for years and will not be resolved overnight.

The Baltimore Police Department ... has been hobbled by community mistrust, corrupt practices and incompetence, along with a lack of quality leadership at all levels. These problems have been mounting for years and will not be resolved overnight.