Baltimore, MD (January 29, 2026) – During today’s Quarterly Public Hearing, the Consent Decree Monitoring Team and Federal Judge found the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) in full and effective compliance with all 12 paragraphs of the Technology section and all nine paragraphs of the Recruitment and Retention section.

In the Technology assessment, BPD was found to have:

• Completed a Resource Study, which includes an extensive IT inventory and preliminary findings.
• Developed a Resource Plan that contains a thorough IT roadmap, including priorities, costs, level of effort, and intended goals, and benefits of each initiative.
• Modernized its IT infrastructure and several key data systems necessary to support the collection and review of data.
• Issued a body worn camera policy that meets the requirements of the Consent Decree.
• Launched a New Technology Initiatives web page that describes for the public any new equipment and technology to be deployed and how it is intended to be used, along with any relevant procurement information. (CD Monitoring Team, Oct. 2025)

In the Recruitment and Retention assessment, BPD was found to have:

• Updated its hiring processes and improved its recruitment partnerships.
• Tightened documentation of applicant background investigations including reviewing the use of force and disciplinary records of candidates with previous law enforcement experience.

• Created an Annual Report that demonstrates improved use of data to update strategies for recruitment, hiring, and retention.
• Jointly participated in several career fairs that included expedited applicant processing; and the expansion of Explorer Program in Baltimore City Public Schools. (CD Monitoring Team, Dec. 2025)

“We continue to make meaningful progress toward fulfilling the Consent Decree, and this marks another important step toward full compliance,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley. “I want to thank our technology and recruitment teams and everyone who has worked tirelessly to get us here. We remain committed to these reforms as we transform into a world-class police department, serving our city with honor and distinction.”

The Department will enter the required sustainment periods for each section. With this announcement, the Department has reached full and effective compliance in seven areas of the Consent Decree: Technology, Recruitment and Retention, Transportation of Persons in Custody, Health and Wellness, Community Oversight Task Force, First Amendment, and Coordination with School Police.

“I want to congratulate BPD on two important milestones in their ongoing work to fulfill the Consent Decree,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott.  "Modernizing the Department and strengthening recruitment and retention have been priorities since well before I took office. Eight years ago, BPD was still largely a paper-based entity; today, it is a national model for 21st century policing. Likewise, as we’ve continued to strengthen relationships between BPD and our residents, we’ve seen more folks joining the Department to support our comprehensive approach to reducing violence in our city."

“Everyone knows that I have made technology a centerpiece of my work as City Solicitor,” said City Solicitor Ebony M. Thompson. “For BPD to reach its full potential as an agency, it is essential that it be able to fully leverage the power of modern technology.  And as technology evolves ever faster, the Department stands better to leverage those advancements based on the progress it has made under the Decree.”

Currently, 82% of the Consent Decree is either in a stage of compliance, or on track. To follow the department’s progress, visit the Consent Decree Dashboard, launched in 2024.

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