The concept of tzelem elohim — the idea that all people are created in the Divine image and therefore are equally precious and worthy — is central to Judaism. It is so central that our sacred texts declare that destroying even one life is akin to destroying a whole world. Unfortunately, we know that in Maryland, lives are destroyed every day, especially Black and brown lives, by our system of policing. And despite historic police accountability reforms passed by the Maryland General Assembly two years ago, community oversight of the police needs to be strengthened. Judaism’s ethic of mutual care calls us to reduce unnecessary police interactions, boldly rethink policing, and transform public safety in our region.

Who’s Impacted:

• People harmed by the police, especially Black and brown Marylanders, and also immigrants, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those experiencing mental health crises.

Key Committees:

• Senate Judicial Proceedings (JPR), Chair: Will Smith (Montgomery County)
• House Judiciary (JUD), Chair: Luke Clippinger (Baltimore City)

Legislative Details:

• Independent Investigative Powers for Police Accountability Boards (SB285):
  • During the 2021 legislative session, the General Assembly passed historic police reforms, including mandating a Police Accountability Board (PAB) in each local jurisdiction. 
  • While a step in the right direction, PABs lack independent investigatory and subpoena powers, meaning they can neither appropriately assess complaints and their outcomes, nor issue subpoenas to draw accurate conclusions. This leaves them reliant on internal investigations done by the very police department they are supposed to be holding accountable
  • However, clarification is needed to ensure local jurisdictions have the ability to grant PABs the power to conduct their own independent investigations into officer misconduct. 
  • This bill is sponsored by Senator Jill Carter.
    
• Reduce Unnecessary Police Interactions – Ban Odor Searches (SB51/HB1071):
  • While police are required to obtain a search warrant before conducting a search, the smell of cannabis is used as an exception to this constitutional right. Within the last few years, officers in several states were found to have lied about smelling cannabis, which is legal in Maryland, before conducting a search.
  • In Maryland, Black drivers are more likely to be stopped and searched by police. For incidents involving Black drivers, probable cause (including the odor of cannabis) was used to justify 67% of searches, compared to 46% of incidents involving white drivers.
  • Traffic stops disproportionately injure and kill drivers of color. Pulling drivers out of their car because of the lingering odor of a partially legalized substance adds further danger to these stops.
  • Reasonable DUI exemptions are included in the legislation.
  • Banning odor searches would reduce unnecessary, harmful interactions with the police and eliminate a gateway to the unjust criminalization of Black and brown people.
  • This bill is sponsored by Senator Jill Carter and Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield.

• Local Control for Baltimore City Police Department (SB758/HB853):
  • For 10+ years, advocates have been working to give City Council legislative oversight of the BPD.
  • In 2021, the General Assembly passed legislation to reestablish BPD as a City agency provided that Baltimore residents ratify an amendment to the City Charter. In November 2022, 82% of voters voted to do just that. As of January 1, 2023, Baltimore City’s police department is a City agency; however, City Council is still powerless to legislate much-needed reforms to the BPD.
  • Further delay is unjust, as it limits self-governance and police accountability in a majority-Black city. The General Assembly must make one more change to the City Charter to enable local control. 
  • Mayor Brandon Scott is pushing for an amendment that would curtail City Council’s legislative oversight of the BPD; legislation must be passed without weakening amendments.
  • This bill is sponsored by Senator Jill Carter and Delegate Stephanie Smith.

Key Partners: Maryland Coalition for Justice & Police Accountability, including: ACLU of Maryland, CASA, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, NAACP, PG ChangeMakers, Young People for Progress, and Silver Spring Justice Coalition