Councilman Zeke Cohen calls police response to kids in pool after hours 'totally excessive'

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Councilman Zeke Cohen calls police response to kids in pool after hours 'totally excessive'

Some Baltimore residents think police enforcing pool regulations from a helicopter is a little excessive.

Youth have been getting into the Patterson Park Pool after it has closed for the night, and police have taken to the sky to try and get them to stop.

Baltimore City Councilman Zeke Cohen, D-District 1, called the police response excessive, and residents said they are alarmed about the police response.

Linda Smith heard commotion Thursday night when a Baltimore police helicopter flew over the Patterson Park Pool.

"I just heard the helicopters and the loud speakers, and it went on for a while. I was hoping there wasn't a kid missing," Smith said.

Police said Foxtrot, the BPD helicopter unit, routinely checks all city pools to prevent unattended drownings. Police said Foxtrot observed about 20 people inside the pool around 8:30 p.m. Thursday, hours after it was closed. Police used the helicopter's loudspeakers to tell the people there were no lifeguards on duty and, for their safety, the officers ordered them out of the pool.

"What we know is that pool was successfully closed at 6:30 p.m., but at some point, young people climbed over the fence -- we have evidence of that -- and entered the pool. (The) helicopter spotted it, called it out," Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said at an unrelated news conference. "We were able to successfully remove all of the individuals from the pool and secure it again."

"I wish they'd stop before somebody gets hurt. Somebody's child could drown in that pool and nobody's there to save them. I don't want other people's kids getting hurt," said Danica Campbell, a resident.

Cohen tweeted about this Thursday night, writing: "I've asked BPD not to use their helicopter to chase away kids at the pool. Repeatedly. While I do worry about the safety of children swimming at night without a lifeguard, this ain't it. Totally excessive. I'm meeting (with) BPD and Rec and Parks next week and plan to address this."

I’ve asked BPD not to use their helicopter to chase away kids at the pool. Repeatedly. While I do worry about the safety of children swimming at night without a lifeguard, this ain’t it. Totally excessive. I’m meeting w BPD and Rec and Park next week and plan to address this.

The Baltimore City Department for Recreation and Parks sent a statement to 11 News, saying: "Recently, there's been an uptick of misconduct at several of our pool locations, including threats to staff, vandalism and an overall disregard for pool rules.

| LINK: Swimming safety guidelines from BCRP

"These guidelines are in place for the safety of ALL city residents and staff members. Behavior of this kind often leads to pool closures, destruction of property and pool equipment, and puts a strain on the wellbeing of the pool staff.

"Baltimore City Recreation and Parks works year-round to ensure we operate a safe and fun summer swim season. This is our home, our pools and our communities. We all must work together to make sure they remain safe.

"We encourage our community members to share this message with your friends, family and neighbors, as we all do our part in having a successful pool season. For any questions or concerns, contact our aquatics division at 410-396-3841."

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