Baltimore Police grapple with dangerous staff shortage, experts warn of public danger

The dwindling staff at Baltimore's Police Department is dangerously low, according to national police experts.
In Baltimore's Southern Police District on Tuesday, sources say at one point, there were as few as three police officers patrolling a district of more than 61,000 residents.
READ MORE: foxbaltimore.com/news/city-in...
_______________
Stay up to date with our social media:
Facebook: / foxbaltimore
Twitter: / foxbaltimore
KZbin: / @foxbaltimore
Daily News Digest: • FOXBaltimore Daily New...
For more information, visit foxbaltimore.com/
Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:
Email us: [e-mail]
Call the Newsroom: 410.467.5595
WBFF is a Maryland-based station and a FOX Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
#WBFF #foxbaltimore #fox45news #Baltimore #Maryland

[@debwasalaski3099]

I don't blame the officers

[@doaver2.125]

How is it you don't blame them? I take it that you are in support of police brutality and corruption?

[@deansapp4635]

@@doaver2.125 You have no idea what you are talking about

[@redneckgaminng_ytlbacktheb8855]

Same here I feel bad for them

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

@@doaver2.125no but you clearly support crime. How does that feel to put words in someone else’s mouth, not nice right? No one said the support police brutality, but not all police are brutal. At the end of the day. You were one of the ones probably out there would be riding protesting, wanting to prosecute. All police didn’t care if your Granny’s neighborhood burned down it said you people are sad you get what you vote for and yes, I am a Baltimore citizen and no I didn’t vote for DemocratRepublicans only I want change I want change from my family

[@Nomchomlom]

@@doaver2.125if that’s the only thing you can see here then you have a severe bias issue.

[@seth3137]

Isn’t this what people wanted? Less police!

[@government_is_violence]

we dont need police or govt, they have NO obligation to protect anyone

[@USA-zr9zy]

Who in the hell wants to be a cop in Baltimore

[@T.Tuxedo]

Lots of people would. I hope someone will be able to help make this city better and safer for everyone who lives there.

[@bobroberts2371]

@@T.Tuxedo Are you one of the " lots of people " willing to pick up the task?

[@T.Tuxedo]

@@bobroberts2371 If I'm able to make a positive difference. Correction: If I'm ALLOWED to make a positive difference, then the answer is yes. Someone's got to step up. "Courage is being scared to death...but saddling up anyway." John Wayne I am very appreciative of all the first-responders who went to help those who were in need when the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed. These good folks are heroes and I absolutely respect them.

[@kcailly1]

@@T.Tuxedo cops don't make cities better.

[@bobroberts2371]

@@kcailly1 said " cops don't make cities better. " Have you seen the news reports from Haiti where police are absent? Is that what you really want?

[@deansapp4635]

No ONE wants to be a cop in Baltimore

[@robertdozier9481]

No ONE wants to be a cop period

[@joao-joao]

That is a lie. There are always a lot of people wanting, but they are refused by all sorts of reasons. Not saying they should hire people that aren't qualified for the job, just saying there are people interested in doing the job.

[@robertdozier9481]

@joao-joao Can you please provide the source(s) of your information?

[@joao-joao]

Sorry I don't keep written track record of those, just watch tv news about police shortage and recruitment efforts and you will find that is very common for hundreds or even thousands of people to apply but in the end only a few dozen, if that, become really police officers.

[@robertdozier9481]

@@joao-joao 👍

[@idreamofparis7233]

You got what you voted for!!!

[@TedTurner-wn1qb]

Glad you said it in 2021 they defunded police of 22.4 million

[@Mark-bi4ne]

Baltimore Police grapple with a city government which takes every opportunity to throw them under the bus while coddling criminals.

[@FreeRoamBaltimore]

Everyone wanted to defund the police, so what's the problem?

[@conservativegamer9047]

Baltimore citizens vote for politicians who do not support law enforcement. Baltimore's nickname of Charm City is satire at this point.

[@Doncan0823]

Baltimore politicians have publicly stated that they don’t care about their cops because the majority don’t live in the city.

[@Mark-bi4ne]

The city that reads, I mean breeds, or I mean bleeds.

[@aaronvanzile3824]

The police department had over 500 vacancies and struggled to recruit. How is that the fault of the office of the mayor?

[@Mark-bi4ne]

@@aaronvanzile3824 Who would want to "protect and serve" in a city whose government does not support you?

[@aaronvanzile3824]

@@Mark-bi4ne people who care about the city of Baltimore and the people who live there.

[@active1508]

So are you ready to ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM YET???

[@MrBond007-k2u]

They never will. The truth is racist.

[@ronbennett7885]

The city is still recovering from the last round of peaceful protests. Stronger DA and tougher judges would go a long way to improve the situation. Catch and release doesn't work and never will.

[@Digger-Nick]

But thats racist!

[@Doncan0823]

If people only knew how things really are inside that department…

[@kevingary7018]

You are your first responder - man up, and exercise your second amendment. The government is not responsible for your safety.

[@bryanb2014]

There's a song by Buddy Brown called I Am 911

[@Jojo.255]

Crazy thing is, once you exercise that right, you’ll be meeting the police immediately so they can arrest you.

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

True facts sir

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

@@Jojo.255appeal it to a higher court, you have a right to protect your family and property Amendment 2 SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED AND IF THEY ARE GIVING ILLEGALS RIGHTS TO CARRY AND USE AGAINST US THEN YES IMMA STAY WITH MY FIREARMS ON ME.

[@lavonhicksonhickson4899]

So tf what pssy you sound like a pssy jail and prison isn't that bad ​@@Jojo.255

[@Antmanpictures]

Yeah I don’t blame people for not wanting to be an officer. Always scrutinized. Public always want to blame you when your coworkers harm or kill someone. When all you want to do is be a source of good. I think the big thing is that the optics of law enforcement has to change. The more they are shown as someone here to protect and serve and less as a force to enrich the city and brutalize citezens makes them more favorable. At the end of the day when all ( or at least a majority) of your citizens(black, white, brown, yellow, rich, poor, young, and/or old) trust you and believe you are here for their benefit then they are more likely to support you. Part of that goes to training and making sure cops no how to deescalate a situation.

[@doriangray4937]

There have been staff shortages for a couple of years now since they defunded the police. They just now decided to grapple with the problem? Well that's a sure sign of incompetence.

[@kcailly1]

Police weren't defunded you guys don't know anything

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

@@kcailly1no but everyone wanted them gone, got what you wished for NOW CALL SAFE STREETS OR MAYOR SCOTT, oh way he busy putting in bike lanes for yall

[@kcailly1]

@@FJB-TRUMP2024 Put the drugs down. You are voting for a criminal by the way...

[@cryptofisko7980]

lol!! ☝🏾 that part

[@toshland5687]

@@kcailly1They cut the police budget by 22 million back 2021. Not to mention how the mayor and fellow politicians campaigned using anti police rhetoric. You really think people want to be a cop in Baltimore now. They’re so short staffed that they can’t even take veteran officers off the street to train recruits. What’s going to happen is vigilantism. You’re going to get a bunch of people so sick and tired of the crime, they’re going to take matters into to their own hands. Or they will just hire people to do the job. Funny thing is, there won’t be enough officers to even investigate properly if things goes down.

[@shill1749]

Don't tell the Criminals there is a shortage 😮

[@willman9567]

The jungle will have to learn to police itself.

[@teamamerica5987]

I fail to see any issue. This is what the people wanted. They hate the people who manage the mayhem and actively protect the people causing it (no snitching).

[@REDDLADY2]

They are tired of arresting the same juveniles over and over. They are tired of arresting the same criminals over and over. They are tired of a Mayor that gives credit for crime reduction to his Community based organizations that do not work with the police.

[@bob733333]

Well, we better restrict your ability to defend yourself then.

[@anderander5662]

Can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to be a Baltimore policeman....😅

[@Mr.Mitt2531]

This is self inflicted. Embrace the suck!!

[@anahernandez4043]

The city got what it wanted. The citizens should be intervening anf protecting each other.

[@agentgoods9980]

Bring back the Special Police

[@user-fb9ph6bb1l]

Them Officers get treated like shit by the people the trying to protect and serve. They want to do their time and go home to their loved ones.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

No SHIT.

[@doaver2.125]

Maybe, it's time for private policing to become a reality and along with it, better checks and balances.

[@Mark73]

That would be even worse. There are far better ways to fix the problem. Require police to be licensed and set up rules for how they keep and lose their license. Also, far better training.

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

@@Mark73all while dealing with criminals WHO DO NOT GIVE A F ABOUT LAWS, make it make sense.

[@Mark73]

@@FJB-TRUMP2024 Police need to give a fuck about laws.

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

@@Mark73 again you just repeated yourself. Criminals do not follow any laws, So why should the police, I BET when you become a victim of crime, your mind will change. Have a great day in Baltimore fingers crossed you won’t be the next carjacking victim

[@ronbennett7885]

Private policing still exists. Railroads, many colleges, and even some factories have their own police forces with arrest powers. Basically, it's not much of a stretch to go back to how it once was. Some communities throughout the country already contract out with police for their private security. See that a lot in various rich enclaves of Florida and elsewhere.

[@nicolemonrue]

"We have been dealing with this 31/2 4 year public vilification of law enforcement " BOOM She's exactly right.

[@MrBond007-k2u]

The police in democrap cities are taking Scott Adams advice, "There's no fixing this and move far away from them" and moving to sunny Florida.

[@EarthhasfallenTV]

Prepare for Seven years of darkness.

[@brew1234567891]

Look! It’s the same people that demanded less police.

[@supadigga]

The more the media emphasizes and broadcasts about police shortages the crazier crime gets smdh

[@whoo1800]

Right they giving them the green light🚦

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

THATS THE WHOLE POINT

[@anahernandez4043]

The citizens said criminals needed to be handled with kid gloves and the city demanded less cops. Well here ya go. Go handle ibaltimore citizens. Time to shine

[@teamamerica5987]

@@anahernandez4043 IKR. Why is this even news? The police were the main problem according to the left, so the fact we have fewer police should a boon to the safety of the residents.

[@DME309]

Where are the Boys Scouts?

[@Theortricesiii]

Oakland, anyone.

[@Ju_a_uhlmao09]

It’s a thankless job , yet Wes Moore believes, conceal carry isn’t necessary

[@funkydanieluk]

Why aren't the residents celebrating? These are the most defunded police I've ever seen! Maybe they aren't defunded enough? Cut their budgets more.

[@mireederrick1977]

Run Fellas Run

[@Gandalf_is_my_dog]

The saying elections have consequences, well here you go.

[@user-ob8jk2kg6t]

VOTE BLUE😂😂

[@robschannel4512]

The next Pittsburgh, only answers live ongoing emergency.

[@elliottharris9015]

Time to move out of Baltimore.

[@user-ts7ns7bt2v]

No stay. You ruined it don’t ruin other better areas.

[@LiaDIamondsPurple]

@@user-ts7ns7bt2v😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@elliottharris9015]

@@user-ts7ns7bt2v I didn't ruin nothing, shut your face.

[@russellbowers7102]

Dont forget That Scott locked arms with Blake and denied the police from doing there jobs as the city burned .

[@spencervaughan7852]

Good thing u ppl did all that "defund the police" bs

[@ronbennett7885]

Baltimore has been a public danger for longer than I've been alive. There have been attempts to improve the city, but various groups have worked against such progress. Shame.

[@fredgardner2870]

Cartoon city

[@JohnSchaeferUNIVERSE]

SEND IN THE MARINES❤

[@derrickanthony4]

I remember applying back in 2012

[@bryanb2014]

In Orem, Utah they have Volunteer Police.

[@wrathofoprah9557]

Get what you vote for

[@user-ob8jk2kg6t]

Nice wig 🎉

[@davidchang8428]

Betcha the old Gun Trace task force gang is itching to get back to work.

[@Mr.Mitt2531]

Free Wayne Jenkins!!!

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

Not most of them retired, remember everyone wanted Social workers

[@mr.45glockowner73]

Before you make war with your police you better make peace with your criminals. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Foreign84]

damn! This is absolutely ridiculous

[@ShawnA3104]

I been applying to various departments here in West TN since I was 21 in 2016, and still applhing currently...... My record is squeaky CLEAN, yet I still get Non Selection Letters; So it's hard to believe that there is really a Police shortage in the US tbh

[@-Merkuleez]

Same here man

[@y25151956]

I was fired 2 weeks before graduation with no clear explanation. Wtf is wrong with them

[@Postc0ital_mal0ne]

Create better incentives for them.

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

They did, PEOPLE are stupid, question is would you want to be a cop?

[@courageagbeyebiawo4104]

But I thought they wanted the police to be defunded? Well they got it, now deal with it. 🤷

[@JohnSchaeferUNIVERSE]

BALTIMORE COPS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE BEST IN USA 🇺🇸 ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@vaprophet8]

That's what happens when people want Democratic polices like defund the police.

[@scheistundzebreath]

How do you reduce crime with understaffed police? No excuse. Support the police. 522 vacancies? Unconscionable.

[@FJB-TRUMP2024]

Oh it more then that, lol put a 1 in front of that number. That number is from like 2013

[@meatpopsicle1567]

Mmm. Defunding is working, just not the way they thought it would.

[@HDPersonal777]

An officer told me in 2021 that police officers make less money per hour now than a coffee barista.

[@DortonFarb]

Lol, no. Oakland patrol officer Malcolm Miller earned over $640K in 2019- look it up.

[@doncookent]

somebody explain why would they try to defund police anyways a few bad apples in every bunch , it wasnt the whole police force , whoever started that defund police should be locked up they causes these disrespect , every knows they need the police for emergency you cant call your hood homeboys

[@BlackSheepIncorperated]

Christ! Get those kids out parents!!!

[@williamcram6743]

You defunds and treated them like sh-t.

[@ericwright1840]

The charm city is not so charming.Bridges falling down. Baltimore is going to hell.

[@Tinbeef22]

Well I am a resident here and would like to join. But not a citizen.

[@zekie23]

Remember his name!

[@joelcaldwell822]

More brass siting in city hall than officers working the beat is the problem.

[@nolancoates4856]

Job Stress😮

[@Africa-Liberation-Army]

Baltimore is dangerous. I can work for you if you hire me.

[@dinguskhan69697]

Would lowering the age requirement help?

[@Foreign84]

How about pay and a big sign on bonuses

[@Madam_schaffer5747]

They said fuck the police they said fuck your 911 calls

[@Well1980scorpio]

Well people actually do want to be police here in the city sad thing is you got to go through so much and takes so long just to get to the training part for a badge so think about that @baltimorepolice

[@-Merkuleez]

Weak agency to work for

[@RMwalkwithJesus]

When you have 4 other agencies, give you an offer in the time it takes them to give you an offer. when you're backround it 20 years military. Who do you go with? Lol not them

[@BajatheChickenMan]

End qualified immunity and go after the Police Pension Fund during lawsuits. Once taxpayers stop being on the hook and police are held accountable for their actions you will never see the change you want.

[@user-nq7gd6ny9z]

Lolololol you are dumb

[@willman9567]

There are hardly any police left. Maybe you guys should learn to behave.

[@alholds]

Defund the police!

[@matthewballon9948]

You already did chump

[@charlespressley1178]

Can you say gun trace task force😮😮😮😮😮it the history of Baltimore police that goes way back in the day.

[@JackMehoffZaddy]

Baltimorons

[@derekvazquezz3067]

Who cares. It’s what they voted for.

[@dariusdaguerre3535]

At 1:25 and again at 1:37 you see another reason police departments face shortages: making female police officers the faces of departments, putting them in positions of leadership, even though they are physically too small to deal with male criminals. BPD did the same shit in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3fTZYiXp6p3i68si=x4f0G3uYTRa1-R7o. You can see it at 1:52. So it's not just vilification and demonization-it's feminization, too. You need men to be crimefighters, and you need to give them the authority to bust heads sooner rather than later. Then you need to put criminals in prison and keep them there.

[@azaguero8170]

check out good luck america for his response to this lie

[@LiberalsRuinEverything.]

Ha ha!!! Yall don’t deserve police.

[@Guardian2A]

Getting exactly what they voted for…

[@MCMMIKE]

Baltimore City and County police is a joke 💯

[@jimmyraidjames]

BIDEN...GET THESE CITYS SOME HELP WAKE UPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

[@meatpopsicle1567]

No chance. He has to be led to the bathroom, otherwise he gets lost.

[@bunberrier]

Happy Defunditry! Now diversity can be free!

[@DortonFarb]

Lol. Baltimore is over 60% black and nearly 90% Democrat. If you want officers, you need to double the pay scale.

[@easterrabbit89]

Democraps are slow 😂

[@TrumpGirl8713]

THEY LITERALLY DEFUNDED THE POLICE !!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@TrumpGirl8713]

Where’s all the social workers at 😂😂😂😂

[@DESTROYALLCHURCHES]

What does a 8 hour shift look like for command staff members?

[@DESTROYALLCHURCHES]

How many police officers are currently working behind a desk?