“A Dark Reflection of the System: Maryland’s Troubling In-Custody Death Record In the midst of a broader national conversation about police accountability and racial justice, a damning audit has shed light on a disturbing trend in Maryland. According to a report by WYPR, a staggering 36 in-custody deaths in the state over the past decade should have been classified as homicides. The revelation is a sobering reminder that the very institutions tasked with protecting and serving communities can sometimes become instruments of harm. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of policing in America, the audit’s findings in Maryland serve as a stark illustration of the pressing need for reform and transparency in law enforcement.”
Audit Exposes Inadequate Handling of In-Custody Deaths in Maryland
An independent audit of the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has revealed a disturbing pattern of inadequate handling of in-custody deaths, particularly in cases involving individuals of color.
Failing to Classify Homicides
The audit revealed that OCME under-counted restraint-related homicides, particularly in cases involving individuals of color. This undercounting may have contributed to the underreporting of homicides.
Patterns of bias were also highlighted in the audit, suggesting racial bias and pro-police bias in OCME’s classification of in-custody deaths. This bias may have contributed to the undercounting of homicides.
Lack of Transparency
The report criticizes OCME for failing to acknowledge the role of restraint in contributing to deaths, despite acknowledging that such restraint may have been involved.
In 36 cases, including 12 from Baltimore City, the reviewers unanimously said the deaths should have been classified as homicides, and in another five cases, two of the three reviewers said the deaths should have been classified as homicides.
Impact on Families and Communities
The mishandling of in-custody deaths can further traumatize families and communities already affected by the loss of a loved one, perpetuating distrust in law enforcement and the medical examiner’s office.
Racial Disparities
The audit’s findings reveal systemic issues that disproportionately affect individuals of color, exacerbating existing racial disparities in the justice system.
Roughly 70% of the deceased were people of color, highlighting the racial disparities in the justice system.
Next Steps and Recommendations
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said his next steps include working with state’s attorneys to review each case and determine if an investigation needs to be reopened.
The report includes a list of recommendations not just for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, but also for law enforcement. For example, it recommends the use of body cameras in all situations involving restraint and thorough documentation of witness testimony surrounding in-custody deaths.
The Attorney General’s Office has also launched a hotline for people who believe one of their loved ones is affected by the audit’s findings.
Gov. Wes Moore announced a new Maryland Task Force on In-Custody, Restraint-Related Death Investigations. The entity will be tasked with making recommendations to improve the handling of in-custody deaths.
Need for Reform
The report emphasizes the need for systemic changes to prevent similar failures in the future, including reforms to OCME’s policies and procedures.Recommendations and Next Steps
Policy Reforms
The audit recommends changes to OCME’s policies and procedures, including the use of body cameras and thorough documentation of witness testimony in cases involving restraint.
Investigations and Reforms
The Maryland Attorney General has launched a hotline for families affected by the audit’s findings and announced plans to work with state’s attorneys to review each case and determine if an investigation needs to be reopened.
Task Force on In-Custody Deaths
The Governor has established a new task force to investigate and make recommendations on in-custody, restraint-related death investigations.
Analysis and Implications
Systemic Issues
The audit’s findings highlight systemic issues within the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the broader justice system, including racial bias and pro-police bias.
Accountability and Transparency
The report emphasizes the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of in-custody deaths, including the classification of homicides and the investigation of such cases.
Community Trust
The audit’s findings and the proposed reforms aim to rebuild trust between law enforcement, the medical examiner’s office, and the communities they serve.
Conclusion
The recent audit findings that 36 in-custody deaths in Maryland should have been ruled homicides highlights a deeply troubling pattern of police misconduct and lack of accountability. The report’s conclusions are a stark reminder that the lives of individuals in custody are not being adequately protected, and that the system is failing to hold law enforcement accountable for their actions. The significance of this finding cannot be overstated, as it has far-reaching implications for the community’s trust in law enforcement and the administration of justice.
The audit’s findings also raise important questions about the policies and procedures in place to prevent and investigate in-custody deaths. The lack of uniformity and transparency in these procedures has created a culture of impunity, where officers are not held accountable for their actions. Moving forward, it is imperative that Maryland takes concrete steps to address these issues, including implementing policies that prioritize transparency and accountability, and providing training for law enforcement on de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention.
As we move forward, it is essential that we not only acknowledge the systemic failures that have led to these tragic deaths, but also work towards creating a system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. By doing so, we can work towards a future where the lives of individuals in custody are valued and protected, and where law enforcement is held accountable for their actions. The time for change is now, and it is imperative that we act with urgency and compassion to create a brighter, more just future.