The state of Maryland, with help from Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, is cleaning house at the Baltimore Central Regional Tactical Unit. The prosecutor’s office brought indictments against 25 of the correctional officers employed there for excessive force, witness intimidation, destruction of evidence, and other charges, according to Patch.com.
A total of 236 counts were brought against the tactical unit’s supervisor and about half its membership following a long-term investigation led by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The group is responsible for responding to incidents and maintaining order in state facilities. The review of the division explored allegations of excessive force and intimidation at state-run facilities. The alleged misconduct was learned of “by way of rumors and anecdotes,” according to State’s Attorney Mosby.
“If you break the law and you break the trust the public has placed within you, you will face the consequences,” Mosby said during a press conference with reporters.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan also weighed in, applauding investigators in the case for helping to root out corruption within the state’s criminal justice system. Since taking office, the Patch reports that Hogan has stepped up anti-corruption efforts, resulting in more than 200 arrests.
“Our administration funded more prosecutors for the state’s corruption unit and doubled the number of investigators for prison corruption. We strengthened the gang statutes that will be used to prosecute these horrendous crimes,” Hogan said in a statement shared with various media outlets.
Hogan says the state is taking a “no tolerance” approach to corruption in their prison system as well as every other area of government. “Our correctional officers have one of the most difficult jobs in all of public safety, and we will not let the criminal behavior of the few tarnish the great work of the nearly 5,000 dedicated officers who serve with distinction every single day,” he added.