ANNAPOLIS, Md — Since 1867, the Baltimore City Police Department has been under the control of the state.
The city is responsible for funding the police department, but the state has the authority to implement policy changes.
Delegate Talmadge Branch is asking for support on legislation that will transfer control of the police department to the city.
"When you have a state agency with in state government where we have no control, it's the right thing to do," said Branch. "Baltimore is the only city that I am aware of that does not have control over their own police department."
The bill clarifies that Baltimore police officers will continue to have the authority to make arrests, conduct investigations and otherwise enforce the laws of the state.
