Back primary candidates who want police reform
Since the senseless death of George Floyd, we have seen the Maryland General Assembly pass sweeping police reform legislation. At the same time, Annapolis City Council members have proposed an ordinance that has the support of the NAACP, United Black Clergy of Anne Arundel County, and the Caucus of African-American Leaders.
The Police Enhancement and Community Engagement (PEACE) ordinance was introduced by Alderwoman Elly Tierney and Aldermen Brooks Schandelmeier, DaJuan Gay, Rob Savidge and Ross Arnett.
Mayor Gavin Buckley has expressed to me his support for this legislation.
With the Sept. 21 Annapolis primaries, voters will have an opportunity to express their opinions on this legislation through the candidates they choose at the ballot box.
As a former member of the Annapolis City Council, I view the PEACE ordinance as historic and significant. Police Chief Edward Jackson has indicated to me and the public that he supports community policing and accountability.
This legislation is the reform that many Annapolitans marched for last summer after the death of George Floyd. It contains two things that Chief Jackson says he supports: accountability and transparency. Groups ranging from the ACLU to Community Actively Seeking Transparency (CAST) are on record supporting these needed reforms.
Police reform is an issue for the upcoming election and it should be. No issue has generated more discussion. We have had scandals in the police department, including one involving the alleged theft of money from civilians by police officers. At that time, there were no body cameras.
A previous administration responded to our request for police body cameras. At first, there was some pushback. But now, the police and the community realize how beneficial body cameras have been.
What impressed me last year was the young people who marched and called for reforms. These youth were multiracial, White, African-American, Latino, Asian, gay and straight. They recognized that every citizen deserves to be respected and protected by the police.
The PEACE legislation will be coming up for a vote. I strongly encourage members of the City Council to support it. Those who do should be rewarded by the voters.