“These and similar arrests identified by our investigation reflect BPD officers exercising nearly unfettered discretion to criminalize the act of standing on public sidewalks.”
That is BS. Were they charged with anything? If not then it's not criminalized. But when there is a drug and murder epidemic and the dealers like to loiter in certain areas, then the law abiding citizens who want to put an end to that will appreciate the proactive measures. I used to sell security systems, drove all over several states from living in a few with that job, and been in every type of neighborhood imaginable. City, rural, inner city, white, black, etc. In all cases I was never approached if in my car on the side of the road (usually checking my maps for the next route or getting paperwork ready, etc). But EVERYTIME I would be on the side of the road in certain neighborhoods, I was always approached by somebody within a minute or so looking to sell. It didn't matter what street I was on. It would be one thing if this was happening everywhere and anywhere, but those reports specially even admitted in high drug and high crime areas. I think Baltimore residents will prefer that then what they have happening now.