Police scandal

Baltimore Gun Trace Task Force

Introduction

Between June of 2014 and October of 2016, 9 members of Baltimore’s Gun Trace Task Force(GTTF) unleashed terror on the people of Baltimore. Armed robberies, grand theft, and even the sale of confiscated drugs were their tools. Through one of the single largest abuses of power, the nine officers involved were able to extort hundreds of thousands in cash.

Analysis

1. Between June 2014 and October of 2016, 9 members of the Baltimore Gun Trace Task Force committed a number of crimes in one of the largest abuse of power scandals in U.S. history.

2. Involved in the scandal were Det. Daniel Hersl, Det. Marcus Taylor, Sgt. Thomas Allers, Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, Det. Momodu Bondeva Kenton Gondo, Det. Evodio Hendrix, Det. Jemell Raym, Det. Maurice Ward, and Officer Eric Snell. Seven of the nine officers plead guilty to a number of federal charges and two were charged and convicted. There were a number of charges filed against each officer.

3. The conduct of these officers destroyed an already strained relationship between the police and their community. The conduct forced the citizens of the city of Baltimore to live in fear of rogue cops.

4. Overall, the lack of discretion is truly astounding. A complete lack of oversite, combined with poor values lead to these actions. Once the leader of the unit signed off or allowed these actions to take place, the mob mentality prevailed. It was a clear failure of integrity and morals at every level.

5. Stricter oversight has been implemented. A greater system of checks and balances now exists within the department. It is clear that just like in the Stanford Prison Experiment, when given unchecked power, it will be abused.

Conclusion

The actions that took place over the course of two years represented a failure on all levels. Yes, the leader of the unit is to blame, but so is his leadership. Also, the subordinate officers are equally responsible. Their lack of morals allowed the scandal to continue.