Baltimore’s new citation policy won’t make us safer — just poorer

It’s summer, the Orioles are in first place, and there’s plenty to celebrate in Baltimore. But be careful not to leave your porch with a beer in hand, or hop on the Metro a little tipsy after the game. The enforcers of city State’s Attorney Ivan Bates’ new citation docket will be there, waiting to catch you. Don’t worry, though — just one pat down, one missed workday for your court appearance, another for your community service, and possibly hundreds in child care, and your charge will be dismissed under the new policy. You may even get some “wraparound services” out of the deal.