BALTIMORE — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today welcomed the announcement from Attorney General Loretta Lynch that the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division will open a federal “pattern or practice” investigation of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD). The announcement comes a day after Senator Cardin and other members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the DOJ supporting Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s request for this investigation.

“After the death of Freddie Gray and the recent unrest in Baltimore, a federal ‘pattern or practice’ investigation into the Baltimore Police Department is a welcome step towards rebuilding the necessary trust between Baltimoreans and the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department. An overwhelming majority of Baltimore City police serve honorably; this investigation is about identifying best practices to help all officers better serve our community.”

“Today’s announcement is just one of many ways to enhance the trust that has eroded between some citizens and our local law enforcement, thereby making our neighborhoods and overall city safer for all. I look forward to receiving updates from the DOJ on the progress and eventual findings of this investigation.  

“Per their request, I would encourage anyone wishing to provide relevant information to the Justice Department to contact the department at 1-844-401-3733 or via email at Community.Baltimore@usdoj.gov.”

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