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Leaders of the
Fraternal Order of Police in Baltimore announced plans this
month to compile an "After Action Report", intended to shed
light on arson and looting after the April 27 funeral of
25-year-old Freddie Gray.
Gray died of spinal injuries one week after his April 12 arrest.
Six officers were indicted in his death, including one who was
charged with second-degree murder.
One issue the police union wants answered is whether Baltimore
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Police Commissioner Anthony
Batts or others in leadership roles ordered officers to "stand
down", or not respond to any provocation.
"This report is intended to provide the information necessary
for an appropriate response should another unfortunate incident
such as this civil unrest happen again," union president
Lieutenant Gene Ryan said in a statement on Tuesday.
The union is asking for written correspondence and radio
transmissions between City Hall and the department during the
riots, as well as details such as how many officers were placed
on medical leave for riot-related injuries.
In a statement on Tuesday, the police department called the
union's accusations "inaccurate, and in some cases, blatantly
false and misleading."
The department's legal team hoped to be able to turn over the
information to the union by week's end, it added.
Mayor Rawlings-Blake called the union allegations "without
basis," adding that she never gave "stand down" orders and that
an extensive review was underway.
(Editing by Curtis Skinner and Clarence Fernandez)
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