The riots might be over, but the killing continues in Baltimore, where police morale is very low and some officers are reportedly fearful to do their job.
According to a report in The Washington Post, between mid-April and mid-May, 31 people were killed and another 39 wounded in shootings on Baltimore’s streets. Consequently the city’s homicide total for 2015 has climbed to 91—21 more than this time last year.
Lt. Kenneth Butler, president of a group for black police officers, told the Post that officers are more reluctant than ever to do the work that needs done. “Officers are coming to me and saying, ‘I’m afraid to do my job,’” Butler said, adding that officers, both black and white, are “equally upset; their morale is low.”
