Every day, police officers risk their lives to uphold the law and keep our communities safe. Investigatory stops, arrests, and force-including, at times, deadly force-are all necessary tools used by BPD officers to do their jobs and protect the safety of themselves and others. Providing policing services in many parts of Baltimore is particularly challenging, where officers regularly confront complex social problems rooted in poverty, racial segregation and deficient educational, employment and housing opportunities. Still, most BPD officers work hard to provide vital services to the community.