April 7, 2011 -- Baltimore City State's Attorney Gregg L. Bernstein today announced the appointment of Janice Bledsoe, Esq., to head the State's Attorney's Office's Police Integrity Unit. Ms. Bledsoe is a graduate of Loyola College and the University of Baltimore School of Law. Since 2007, she has been in private practice at her firm, Bledsoe & Goldthorpe, P.A.
"Ms. Bledsoe is a proven trial attorney with considerable experience as a criminal lawyer, practicing in Baltimore's Courts. She has an exemplary reputation as a skilled attorney, and is respected by her peers on both sides of the aisle. The State's Attorney's Office is fortunate to add her to our team." said Mr. Bernstein.
Bernstein, who took office in January, promised a comprehensive review and reorganization of the former Police Misconduct Unit. During the past three months, he has examined best practices in similar units in other cities, and established a system to track allegations of police misconduct to ensure the State's Attorney's Office meets its ethical and professional obligations regarding disclosure of information in criminal cases.
"It is vital to maintaining public trust in our criminal justice system that the State's Attorney's Office acts vigilantly to ensure that allegations of police misconduct are thoroughly investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. This is why I immediately focused my attention on reviewing the unit and developing a plan to improve its performance," said Mr. Bernstein. "Through this process we have established better communication and information-sharing with the Police Department."
"I share State's Attorney Bernstein's dedication to protecting the public's interest and maintaining the public's trust," Ms. Bledsoe said. "I am looking forward to embarking on this new phase of my career in public service."
Bledsoe is scheduled to assume her duties during the first week of May.