The certification process for Baltimore police cadets in firearms and use-of-force training is currently halted due to an unexpected ceasefire order from the Maryland National Guard, posing significant risks to public safety. The order prevents 50 cadets from completing their necessary training and stops 10 officers from becoming recertified, all amid ongoing recruitment challenges and understaffing issues within the Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
This situation is exacerbated by a backlog of training that has swelled to 45 days, just as another academy class is set to begin in August. A letter from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to Governor Wes Moore highlights the urgency of the situation, noting that the ceasefire is undermining BPD’s ability to comply with federal obligations. With a growing demand for visible patrols to combat crime, the friction surrounding training logistics raises serious concerns about officer readiness and community safety.
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