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Maryland Fraternal Order of Police President Defends Officers Bill of Rights

February 26th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

A proposed law in the Maryland House of Delegates could roll back certain protections for law enforcement officers. HB0151would fully repeal Maryland’s Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights. The law, which provides certain protections for officers under investigation for wrongdoing, has been heavily criticized for frustrating police-reform efforts. Recommendations for repeal came  from a Workgroup on Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland that was convened in June. A primary sponsor of the legislation says that a repeal of the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights would allow for greater civilian oversight of police departments. Under the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights, disciplinary hearings are handled by internal review boards. Clyde Boatwright, president of the Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police, appearing on WCBC’s “Dave Norman Show” defended the current law, saying it "gives officers due process" however he acknowledges that halting the repeal is an uphill battle….