BALTIMORE — On Friday night, the city held a Budget and Appropriations Committee Hearing, where Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott stressed the need for reductions to the Baltimore Police Department budget.
Scott said it's time to reassess the way the city invests its money.
“While Baltimore is still fighting through the COVID-19 pandemic and an ongoing gun violence epidemic, we are also amid the largest civil rights call to action in generations,” said Council President Scott. “Following the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota by police officers, our city along with cities across the world have mobilized to demand reforms of our justice system and radical changes to our police departments.”
“Baltimore cannot move forward spending a disproportionate amount on policing. In fact, if per-capita police spending was the sure way to make our city safer, then Baltimore should be one of the safest cities in America,” he said.
Across the country, cities are being challenged to redirect funds from their police departments.
