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The city of Baltimore wants the Department of Justice to examine its police force after Baltimore cops have cost them millions of dollars and public criticism.

You know things have got to be bad in Baltimore if city officials are calling out their own officers for excessive use of force. According to the Associated Press, Police Commissioner Anthony W. Batts announced yesterday that he’s asking the DOJ to review the Baltimore Police Department’s procedures and policies, which have resulted in countless, expensive legal settlements.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake stated in an email that she supports the requested probe because she is onboard with any efforts to reduce the number of excessive force complaints in Baltimore.

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On Thursday, City Council President Bernard Young also beseeched U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to have federal officials look into Baltimore PD operations because far too many bystanders have been injured by police in displays of force. Bernard is concerned that having so many people that aren’t charged getting hurt copy Baltimore cops will further “damage the fragile relationship between the city’s police and citizens.”

Police officials might often shy away from actions like these—particularly in the aftermath of Michael Brown and Eric Garner’s death in separate incidences of unwarranted police brutality. Anthony, however, invites a review; it’s not as serious as an investigation because federal authorities aren’t just looking for evidence of something bad. They would be looking at Baltimore PD’s overall police and procedures.

“We welcome the examination,” said Anthony. “We have nothing to hide and everything to gain. Since my arrival I have not been afraid to bring outside reviews. This is in line with my policy that sunlight is the best disinfectant.”

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Baltimore Asks Department Of Justice To Probe City’s Police Department  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com