BALTIMORE, MD.  —“I applaud Commissioner Michael Harrison’s call for an external and independent investigation into the Gun Trace Task Force. We must fully learn how conditions at the Baltimore Police Department allowed the GTTF to thrive for so long.

"In 2014, I was the first elected official to call on the Department of Justice to come in and investigate the patterns and practices of the BPD I also led the push to implement a body-worn camera program that has resulted in reductions to citizen-driven complaints against officers and to a number of disciplinary actions taken against officers caught on camera violating departmental policies.

"This investigation is essential and is vital to help rebuild trust between the police department and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. It is imperative that the investigation be comprehensive and free from internal pressure.

"I have informed the City Solicitor and Police Commissioner that appropriate findings from the investigation need to be made public to allow residents to fully understand the extent of the violation of trust that occurred. It is my sincere hope that Judge Bredar views this effort favorably as we continue to reform the BPD.”

Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young