The common way in which citizens have engaged with police officers has been through stops, be it in routine or high-stakes situations. However, the state of Maryland has decided to rewrite the road rules that could potentially change the way law enforcement interacts with the public across the state and nation. Not so long ago, Senate Bill 292 (SB0292), a piece of legislation aimed at reducing interaction between the police and the public, which is reducing needless police stops, was implemented in Maryland. If drivers have broken taillights or expired tags, there is no need for an officer to stop them.
According to CBS News, Senate Bill 292 will also restrict police officers from stopping drivers if they litter through a car window, park by the bus stop, or fail to indicate a turning light properly. Before this, these offenses were a big deal; however, the new legislation states that they are secondary actions. Illegal U-turns and expired registration have also been added to the list, states CBS News.
This legislative push was prompted by traffic stops that turned dangerous
One of the main reasons why this initiative is being pushed and the government of Maryland is in favour is because small issues have turned into big problems, leading to dangerous situations, especially among people of colour and traffic officers. Therefore, over the years, the public has been concerned with such situations where innocent people are imprisoned or charged with criminal activities, yet it was just an illegal U-turn.
Police officers would have to record stops under the new regulations
Say goodbye to police stops because there are certain procedures and specifications that police officers from Maryland should follow, and if they do not comply, they will face a disciplinary hearing, according to CBS News. These include:
- Producing or presenting an identification with the police’s name, badge number, and the linked agency.
- Explaining to the driver why they stopped the vehicle.
- Once the reason is explained, the officer will need to record the reason behind the stop.
What the bill does and doesn’t change
You are probably thinking, “But this is dramatic.” However, the rules set by Maryland and SB0292 do not mean we are dismissing the power and authority law enforcement has; it is to strike a balance and create boundaries that can safeguard both police officers and the general public. The police still have the power to stop drivers if they detect things like reckless driving or intoxication, but things like a broken light are not important.
While Maryland is executing these rules, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler and other members of the department have criticised the idea; they feel as if it is an absurd reason for police officers to be charged, but the aim is to create a safer environment for the public whenever there is a need for a police officer to be involved in a situation that needs attention. Gahler said:
“This bill sponsor went the additional measure to make sure that it’s pointed out that if a police officer mistakenly pulls someone over, that that officer is subject to administrative discipline. You really cannot make this stuff up.”
Those are the rules, and this state has announced the decision, though like any legislation it remains subject to future amendment or repeal. The state of Maryland might be the first, but most likely will not be the last, because these issues are part of the U.S. as a whole. Maryland could become a blueprint for other regions hoping to address the thorny intersection of policing and injustices. There has also been an issue of drivers fleeing from traffic stops and resulting in deaths and injuries in Maryland. Get more legislative information from SB0292 in the Maryland General Assembly. (Bill would bar police from making traffic stops for minor infractions in Maryland)