The most recent issues involving Baltimore City Police and the handling of suspects only reinforces the fact that the current system regarding handling of suspects must be scuttled and reconfigured ("Protests intensify over Gray's death," April 22).
If the current policies and procedures are allowed to continue, we are only welcoming unnecessary injury and death once again. Under the current system, communities and neighborhoods will most assuredly fail with the current police mind-set regarding transporting suspects. The barbaric handling of suspects is painting a picture to the nation that Baltimore is a cops' playground where citizens are harassed and manhandled, where cops can play out their vigilante behaviors.
Old habits truly die hard. Stories have surfaced about how suspects who were transferred in BCPD vehicles were not secured as the drivers made the trip to the precinct a ride to remember. That is in itself archaic and pathetic.
Decisions made by the city of Baltimore and the BCPD today will shape the future of the city, possibly for years to come. This is an extremely critical juncture our city faces.
Commissioner Anthony Batts faces a gargantuan task of reshaping the image of his department. Things must radically change. Barbarism and bullying among the police must cease immediately. This is Baltimore 2015, not Dodge City circa 1885.
The future of our city rests in the balance.
Patrick R. Lynch, Nottingham