By Kristen Maloney
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
An estimated 100 citizens erupted into protest at City Hall Monday after the Baltimore City Council voted 14-1 to confirm Kevin Davis as the new police commissioner.
The protesters, who occupied the council chamber for several hours last week to voice their opposition to Davis, were removed from the meeting Monday after they ignored three warnings from Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young to stop the “disruptive and disorderly” conduct.
Photo by Kristen Maloney
As protesters gathered in the hallway outside the chamber and continued expressing their concerns about police brutality and racism, the initial “five minute recess” the council called quickly turned into a permanent banishment for all residents trying to attend the public meeting.
Police officers eventually ordered all individuals, including reporters and bystanders, to exit the building, even though the meeting continued.
“No more racist police,” protesters chanted outside City Hall.
“We’re doing this for our community,” Baltimore resident Julie MacGregor said as she and others marched along Baltimore streets. “Police brutality has to stop.”
Some protesters said they did not have a problem with Davis personally but felt he represents police tactics and policies that have hurt many city neighborhoods, particularly those that are majority African American or poor.
“On face value, he is a personable guy who wants to help his community,” Baltimore resident Seanniece Bamiro said. “But in terms of his vision for increasing community foot patrols and educating this city on matters of the law, there is not a lot of guidance.”
Council member Nick Mosby of District Seven cast the only vote against Davis. While Davis is a worthy candidate for the duty of police commissioner, Mosby said, the process in which he was selected for the job was flawed.
“He did an excellent job when he came in,” Mosby said of Davis. “My issue is not with the person, it is with the process of the department. They put the cart before the horse and were fiscally irresponsible when it came to this decision.”
Council member Mary Pat Clarke of District 14 said Davis is a good man who will lead the department well.
“I’m glad we have him as our commissioner,” Clarke said. “He is a good professional who has a reputation for working well with the community and has a mutual respect for his fellow police officers and the city.”
Outside on the street, helicopters circled above the high-rises as protesters demonstrated.
One protester said she saw the decision as an opportunity rather than a travesty.
“With all that’s happened with the police in our community, we need all the help we can get,” MacGregor said. “If Davis can help our city and make police officers safe and helpful again, then I welcome him. All we want is to feel safe in our homes.”