Law Enforcement “Bills of Rights” Enable Police Violence and Prevent Accountability

Details: By Nick Place; Parent Category: Criminal Justice and Racism; Category: Policing; 22 November 2018; Hits: 24227

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E. Do Not Call Lists

Both Baltimore's union-negotiated contract and the state's LEOBOR have “do not call list” provisions. If a police officer has credibility issues while testifying in court, prosecutors may put that officer on a “do not call” or “Brady” list as an unreliable witness not to be put in front of a court again. Maryland's LEOBOR prevents any adverse action against officers because they are placed on such a list--not even demotion or a reduction in pay. One would think being deemed untrustworthy by prosecutors might warrant formal discipline, but the statute explicitly forbids it. It is unclear what benefit this provides to anyone except cops that prosecutors do not trust.

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Race, Racism and the Law
Vernellia R. Randall
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