The Baltimore Police Department is investigating a video that appears to show an officer jokingly cough on a woman as he passes her outside Perkins Homes housing complex in East Baltimore during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Instagram video shows a woman call out to the uniformed officer, who, as he passes her on the sidewalk, coughs toward her.
“The Baltimore Police Department has become aware of a recent social media video that depicted a police sergeant apparently coughing near citizens,” police spokeswoman Lindsey Eldridge said in a statement
“We have viewed the video, in its entirety, and believe it warranted being forwarded to the Public Integrity Bureau for an internal investigation.”
Eldridge did not identify the officer.
Kobi Little, president of the local branch of NAACP, said the officer should be held accountable to show both officers and the community such behavior won’t be accepted.
“We urge Commissioner [Michael] Harrison to make an immediate statement today, to the force and the public, that says that BPD has zero tolerance for misconduct during this public health crisis and is committed to responding sensibly, compassionately and responsibly as it patrols and answers emergency calls to maintain public health and safety,” Little said in a statement.
“This incident is emblematic of the force’s failure to respect and build trust with the people of Baltimore. It is hard to justify budget increases and spy planes when the police fail to engage the public with dignity and often are themselves a danger to the public,” he said.
Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott said he was made aware of the video and sent it to Harrison to take action.
“COVID-19 is not a joke and this behavior is beyond unacceptable,” Scott said. “When you are in public service, it is your duty to treat everyone with respect, especially in a time where we are dealing with both a public health pandemic and a gun violence epidemic. This is not behavior that we want our police officers or any of our public servants to model to our residents.”
Source: Baltimore Sun
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