Police praise training programs at council hearing

But questioning about spending related to those programs was postponed as council members sought additional information from the agency.

Pointing to recent police problems, such as a towing kickback scandal that is in court this week, City Councilman Brandon M. Scott called the hearing last month to question the effectiveness and costs of the training programs. The Baltimore Sun also reported this week that a nonprofit that has a contract with the city to provide a program called Diamond Standard Training had spent 40 percent of its funds on entertainment, travel and mealsover 20 months.

The Police Department mounted a full-court press to defend the programs — more than 25 officers attended Wednesday's council hearing to testify to the programs' benefits, and officials brought a stack of glowing reviews from officers who had gone through the training. Council members were also invited to take part in a training demonstration Tuesday.

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