The revolving door in the Baltimore Police Department's leadership is creating concern that the department will not meet its deadlines for the consent decree.
Last week, Judge James K Bredar, who is overseeing the implementation of the Baltimore Police Consent Decree, voiced his concerns the city cannot deliver much-needed police reform, and on Thursday his message was the same.
Judge Bredar compared the department to a "dilapidated house", and says it needs more than just a coat of paint, but an actual foreman to complete the job. These harsh comments come after multiple Police Commissioners have rotated in and out of the top cop position.
Kevin Davis was fired so Darryl De Sousa could take the lead, but after a couple months,De Sousa was forced to resign due to criminal misconduct and charges. He was federally charged for not filing his taxes for three years, and Judge Bredar says this was a huge blow to the collective effort of fixing the city.
While Bredar says he is impressed by Interim Commissioner Gary Tuggle, he says he is still troubled until a permanent person takes the position. He wants to place this as a top priority for the city and to make sure this person is properly vetted.
Ten people have applied since the position was posted last week, but Baltimore City Solicitor, Andre Davis, says this is the most challenging and difficult job in America because of how broken the department is. Davis did ensure Judge Bredar that the next pick for the top cop will be up for the task and in position before Halloween.
Interim Commissioner Tuggle was also in court on Thursday and he promised Judge Bredar he is making strides in the department, and regardless if he gets the permanent position or not, he will help whoever gets the job succeed.
Even with all of the guarantees and promises from Baltimore employees, Judge Bredar continued to press that job number one is to make a permanent Commissioner choice and that the consent decree cannot move forward until Mayor Catherine Pugh makes the right decision.
