As I watched the video of Alexander LaMorie being shot and killed, I knew our community urgently nee
ded change.
Body camera footage of that fatal police encounter showed what many Howard County families already feared: a system that was not prepared to respond appropriately to a person in crisis. This was a tipping point.
I sent a letter last week calling for Gregory Der to be removed as police chief. Two days later, he announced his resignation.
Our community deserves accountability, and accountability cannot stop with just a resignation. Other concerns — like the causes of a lawsuit against our county — must be addressed. Bad policies and processes must be identified and then rolled back under new leadership.
Still, the resignation of Chief Der, just two days after we called for his ouster, is a big step.
Changing our County Executive is the next big step.
Together we can start the long process of rebuilding trust between law enforcement and our community. Eventually, we can restore faith among our neighbors that police are here to protect and serve. That can only happen when the Howard County Police Department, from the chief to the beat cops, are visibly and transparently engaging with the needs and concerns of residents.
There is a long way to go, but we are making fast progress. Thank you for everything you do to make this a safe and thriving community.
For more information please visit my website;
https://votelizwalsh.com/
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