It concluded that the BPD engages in a pattern of unconstitutional stops, searches and arrests, creating mistrust within the community.
“This pattern or practice is driven by systemic deficiencies in BPD’s policies, training, supervision and accountability structures that fail to equip officers with the tools they need to police effectively and within the bounds of the federal law,” it states.
Gray’s death, from a neck injury sustained in a police van, led to six officers being charged with murder, but all have now been acquitted.
It triggered days of protests and riots in Baltimore, and also led the Department of Justice to begin its investigation into the force.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Kevin Davis announced today, after the report became public, that the officers who committed “egregious violations” have been fired.
"Change is painful. Growth is painful. But nothing is as painful as being stuck in a place that we do not belong," he said.
The report states that about 44% of unconstitutional ‘stop and searches’ occurred in two small predominantly African-American neighbourhoods, containing just 11% of the city’s population.
It also found that officers were often instructed by their superiors to clear streets of any loitering black men.
