Source: AFP Contributor / Getty
T.J. Smith, the most consistent public face of the Baltimore Police, confirms he is resigning.
According to WJZ, Smith cited an unstable environment with “mudslinging” within the department and “political turmoil” all around it as the driving force behind his decision.
Smith made the announcement in a tweet, linking to a long goodbye letter.
I would like to thank former Commissioner Kevin Davis, former Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Commissioner Darryl De Sousa, Interim Commissioner Gary Tuggle and Mayor Catherine Pugh for the opportunity to serve as the voice of the Baltimore Police Department. I’d also like to extend my thanks to Chief Tim Altomare and County Executive Steve Schuh for their support as I transitioned from Anne Arundel County to Baltimore; I’m most thankful that they all didn’t try to change me. My style was matter-of-fact, and my goal was to speak to everyone honestly and truthfully in a manner that allowed me to relate to folks from all walks of life.
We can’t expect a law enforcement solution alone to solve these catastrophic, systematic socio-economic failures. Too many children in the communities described above have much easier access to blunts, beers, huggies, chicken boxes, Doritos, sweet tea, soda, and more than they do to a fitness center, a salad, or an apple. We then take these same young people who are in essence, under the influence, and send them into schools expecting them to sit still and learn. It’s a recipe for failure, and it’s targeted to specific geographies that are, you guessed it, plagued with violence.
We must get real about holding the right people accountable; they are violent repeat offenders. The story is a broken record. The same people are responsible for the vast amount of violent crimes. What is also synonymous in most cases is the fact that they received multiple suspended sentences, violated probation, and have consistently shown a propensity towards violence. Some people are just simply bad people and need to be held accountable for their actions.
Matt Jablow was named the new Chief Public Information Officer. From 2003 through 2007, Jablow served as the BPD’s Director of Public Affairs Officer. Before that, he was a reporter at WBAL TV in Baltimore.
Want news at your fingertips? Text “QCREW” to 24042 to join our text club!
ALSO TRENDING:
- Third Bear Hit On Maryland Roadway
- 6 Ways To Take Control Of Your Mental Health
- Dead Body Falls Out Of Vacant House In Baltimore [PHOTOS]
Sign Up For Our Newsletter!
The Latest Music, Celebrities and Interviews: Follow @‘92qjamsbmore’
Baltimore Police Spokesman T.J. Smith Resigns With A Good Bye Letter was originally published on 92q.com
