Senate Bill 292 could downgrade traffic stop violations in Maryland
EASTERN SHORE, Md. – Proposed Senate Bill 292 would prevent Maryland law enforcement from initiating certain traffic stops. Advocates are trying to find a balance between community protection and police rights.
SB 292, would downgrade primary vehicle violations to secondary status. This would mean typical reasons for traffic stops, like failing to use a turn signal or driving without registration, would not be enough for police to initiate.
Wicomico County, NAACP President, Monica Brooks, believes this bill is a step in the right direction for Maryland. “I believe the spirit behind this law is to diminish these unnecessary stops. Truth be told, it will make it safer for individuals who are stopped, and what potential outcomes can come from interactions with law enforcement.”
Not everyone agrees, Wicomico County Sheriff, Mike Lewis, has battled with lawmakers for a plethora of reasons. He has advocated and worked with local leaders to help with police rights. “This is another move by the progressive lawmakers in Annapolis to strip law enforcement of their abilities to effectively police our towns, our communities, and our counties.”
Brooks hopes this will ultimately bridge the gap between law enforcement and African American individuals. “What we do know is the more and more interactions that people of color have with law enforcement, the increase the potential we have of not coming home alive, that’s just facts.”
According to the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, black citizens account for 32 percent of the state population. However, 43% are involved in annual traffic stops. By comparison, white citizens make up over 57% of the state population, but account for only 39% of traffic stops.
Sheriff Lewis told WMDT, the issue isn’t racial, but one of justice.”It’s no different from Dylan Roof, the white racist who murdered 9 churchgoers, shot 10, and killed 9 down in Charleston, South Carolina. He was apprehended outside Shelby, North Carolina for a registration violation.”
Failure to show proper registration is likely to be downgraded to a secondary offense. Sheriff Lewis will continue to advocate for police rights, but he views this bill as a removal of such privilege.
“You stay in your lane lawmakers, let us do what we’re trained to do. Our citizens expect us to use our training, our knowledge, and special skill set to police their communities.”
Monica Brooks adds that while she agrees with most of the proposed bill. She wants lawmakers to clarify the language.
The legislation has been assigned to the Senate judicial proceedings committee, and would go into effect on October 1st if passed.
