Baltimore Police creates review process for officer discipline concerns

The Baltimore Police Department has established a new process allowing officers to request a review if they believe their disciplinary cases were affected by undue influence, The Baltimore Banner reported.

This move follows the resignation of Deputy Commissioner Brian Nadeau, who oversaw internal affairs and faced misconduct allegations before stepping down. Nadeau had been credited with reforming the internal affairs system but was also sued for allegedly manipulating officer discipline outcomes.

Lt. Elliot Cohen, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 3, informed union members that the review process was created in response to concerns about fairness in disciplinary actions. He emphasized the process was designed to address any perceived unfair treatment, regardless of the source of influence.

Baltimore Police spokesperson Lindsey Eldridge confirmed the department's commitment to fair handling of disciplinary matters and explained the procedure for officers to submit cases for review. However, she did not comment on specific questions about the influence in past cases.

The department's policy requires the internal affairs overseer to approve investigation findings and recommend discipline, a role Nadeau held before his resignation. Lawsuits have alleged that Nadeau pressured hearing officers to approve his disciplinary recommendations without independent review.