Politics & Government

Laurel Police, NAACP to Sign Mediation Agreement Thursday

The agreement comes after the organization accused Laurel Police of excessive force and racial targeting.

The Laurel Police Department and the Prince George's County branch of the NAACP are set to sign a mediation agreement Thursday "that will enhance community relations in Laurel," according to city officials.

The U.S. Department of Justice, which oversaw the formation of the agreement, will also participate in the signing event.

In September of 2012, the Prince George's County branch of the NAACP urged the DOJ to investigate claims by city residents that Laurel Police had violated their civil and constitutional rights and unfairly targeted African Americans and other minorities.

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That appeal came about a month after a video surfaced showing a Laurel police officer striking a handcuffed man. The State's Attorney for Prince George's County ultimately found "no apparent criminal wrongdoing" in the case, but D'Ante Williams, the man who was hit, filed a $3 million lawsuit against Laurel alleging assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Thursday's event is set for 1 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Laurel Municipal Center (8103 Sandy Spring Rd.).

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Due to sign the agreement for the city are Police Chief Richard McLaughlin, Laurel City Attorney Robert Manzi, NAACP Prince George’s County Branch President Robert Ross, and Executive Committee Member Glenn Brown. 

Representatives from the DOJ's Community Relations Service and the City of Laurel are expected to witness the signing.

Patch will have more information on this story as it becomes available.


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