Faith in Action

“Martial law builds on the failed policies of the past. It’s a misuse of law enforcement resources in an overly divisive and negative strategy that will do more harm than good.  Mass arrests of tens of thousands of people without charging them, in recent years, has not made the city safer.  It is irresponsible and imprudent to  expand policing policies that have not only proven unsuccessful, but disastrous in many aspects.  It is time for smart policing and smart leadership.  Yes, Baltimore needs to be tough on people that commit violent crime.  But, that will never happen utilizing unconstitutional stop and frisk, and arrests tactics that target everyone.  We need to unify the community and the police behind the goals of public safety, not further divide them.  For too long Baltimore has been two communities — rich and poor, police and suspect. It is time for one Baltimore — a city with unity of focus where we all share the common goal of safe communities and see the police as critical allies in reaching that goal,” said Carter.

“I’m surprised that city council members and candidates for mayor did not immediately voice strong opposition to this suggestion.  Martial law policing is not the American way — and should not become the Baltimore way.  This suggestion is an extreme one that is only being made because of the failure of current law enforcement approaches,” added Carter. “This needs to be put to rest as an option immediately.  I urge my colleagues at City Hall, particularly, those running for mayor, to take a clear stand in favor intelligent and effective policing and away from military-style policing and political posturing.”

Delgate Jill P. Carter is serving her second term in the House of Delegates after winning re-election last year by the highest margin of any Delegate in Baltimore.  She serves on the House Judiciary Committee where she has championed effective and smart law enforcement strategies.  Delegate Carter led the movement against arrests without charges that resulted in an ACLU-NAACP lawsuit, as well as a recently passed law that allows for automatice expungement of uncharged arrests. She chaired the House subcommittee on the state’s first anti-gang legislation which the Governor signed into law this week.  ”Our justice system is broken and in need of major repair,” said Carter.  “An unjust and dysfunctional system of justice does more harm than good for our city an for society-at-large.