In 2021, former and current Black officers launched accusations against the MDSP, saying the department gave preferential treatment to white officers.

“We always have to watch our backs — what we say, what we do,” an anonymous officer said, according to NBC Washington. “And it’s never an even playing field.”

Another Black officer, who also chose to remain anonymous, pointed to several examples of discrimination.

“Whether it’s from the discipline that’s unfair. Whether it’s from the promotions and the transfers that are unfair. Whether it’s from their hiring practices,” the officer told NBC Washington.

Maryland police

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