Scott postpones Worley confirmation hearing, announces series of community meetings
Naming an insider to replace Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, mayor had been criticized by the NAACP for “blatant disregard” of community input
Above: Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley, flanked by City Council President Nick Mosby and Mayor Brandon Scott, addresses media after a mass shooting in the city’s Brooklyn neighborhood. (Facebook)
Under fire by some critics for appearing to fast-track his nominee for top cop, Mayor Brandon Scott has decided to postpone the confirmation hearing for Acting Police Commissioner Richard Worley.
The hearing had been set for August 15 before the City Council’s Rules and Legislative Oversight Committee, but today Scott released a joint statement with its chairman saying the hearing would be rescheduled to an unspecified later date.
“In order to ensure the voices of Baltimore’s residents are front and center,” the decision was made to schedule the hearing “after all of the planned community engagement meetings have taken place,” Scott and Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer said.
Critics protested in June after Scott made a surprise announcement that Police Commissioner Michael Harrison would be stepping down and that Worley, a BPD insider, had been chosen to replace him.
The Rev. Kobi Little, president of the Baltimore chapter of the NAACP, along with other social justice organizations, called for Scott to withdraw Worley as the nominee and instead conduct a nationwide search for Harrison’s replacement.
Little blasted Scott for showing “blatant disregard” for community input and said the search process should be “transparent and inclusive.”
Community Meeting Schedule
The seven virtual and in-person community hearings Worley will attend begins next week with a “telephone town hall” for seniors.
According to Scott’s office, “RSVP is encouraged, but not required.” In order to RSVP, visit bit.ly/baltcitymeet0823 or call 311.
Tuesday, August 8, 10 a.m.
Telephone Town Hall for Older Adults
Dial-in info to come, please RSVP at the link to receive updates directly.
Wednesday August 9, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Virtual Community Meeting
To be streamed on: Facebook.com/MayorBMScott.
Monday, August 14, 6 – 8 p.m.
The Lord’s Church
5010 Park Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215.
Tuesday, August 22, 6 – 8 p.m.
Shake & Bake Family Fun Center
1601 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217.
Thursday, August 24, 6 – 8 p.m.
National Federation of the Blind
200 E. Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230.
Monday August 28 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Telephone Town Hall
Dial-in info to come, please RSVP at the link to receive updates directly.
Tuesday, August 29, 6 – 8 p.m.
Greater Paradise Christian Center
2900 E. Oliver Street
Baltimore, MD 21213.