BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — The Baltimore County Council has passed a new police reform bill.
RELATED: Baltimore Co. leaders propose new police reform legislation
This new bill, which passed six to one Monday night, was introduced by Councilman Julian Jones. It focuses a lot on use of force and prohibits officers from using chokeholds or neck restraints unless a life is at risk and it requires officers to intervene if they see another officer using excessive force.
This bill also prohibits the police department from hiring anyone who was fired or resigned for disciplinary issues, like reasons related to use of force. The police chief will also have to give an annual report to county council on any use of force cases.
Councilman Jones and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski tweeted in celebration of this new bill passing.
Baltimore County Police Reform Bill 96-20 has passed! A special thanks to everyone who supported and advocated for this much needed legislation! We still have more work to do.
— Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr (@julianejonesjr) October 6, 2020
Today Baltimore County has taken a critical—and united—next step toward equal justice. The SMART Policing Act will make our police department and our county better for everyone. pic.twitter.com/06kCO0pA0g
— County Executive Johnny Olszewski (@BaltCoExec) October 5, 2020
Yearly de-escalation training is now required and the bill protects anyone who reports misconduct.
