The Baltimore City Council responded loud and clear June 15, presenting a $3.8 billion dollar budget for the 2021 fiscal year with over $22 million in proposed cuts to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
“Many of the young people who have led the protests and demonstrations here in Baltimore have been demanding that we finally think about investing in their future, rather than simply investing in their failure,” said City Council President Brandon Scott.
BPD Director of Public Affairs and Community Outreach Lindsey Eldridge sent the AFRO a statement in response to a request for an interview and said the department is holding off on live interviews until Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young approves the proposed cuts.
“The Baltimore Police Department is committed to ensuring that we work with the city council so they fully understand any and all ramification[s] of proposed cuts to the department,” read the statement sent to the AFRO.
Scott suggested the BPD merge their marine units with the Baltimore City Fire Department’s marine units.
