Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis reminded officers they should not recreate evidence scenes in order to capture them on body worn cameras.
“In light of recents events,” Davis said in a memo to officers, “You are reminded to activate your body worn camera at the initiation of a call for service…”
RELATED: Public defender claims body-cam footage shows Baltimore police officer planting drugs
He continued, “In the event your body worn camera is not activated during the recovery of evidence, under no circumstances shall you attempt to recreate the recovery of evidence after re-activating your body worn camera.
Memo from @BaltimorePolice @CommishKDavis to his force on proper use of body cams in light of recent videos released. pic.twitter.com/B7i1fNmU8f
— Brian Kuebler (@BrianfromABC2) August 1, 2017
The mandate comes after public defenders said charges against a client were dropped because body-cam video “appears to depict multiple officers working together to manufacture evidence.”
The case involves seven officers, two of whom have been referred to the police department's internal affairs division.
The public defender’s office said it will not release the video because it shows a co-defendant whom it doesn’t represent.
Meanwhile, State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby dismissed charges in 34 cases relying on the testimony of three other officers after the Office of the Public Defender released a different video they say shows an officer planting drugs. That officer is suspended and two others are on administrative duty.
Separately, seven other Baltimore officers on a gun crimes task force are accused of faking reports and false detentions.
