In Baltimore City
New York judge appointed chief of police internal affairs
Baltimore Police Commissioner Edward T. Norris has named an administrative law judge from New York as chief of the Internal Affairs Division, which investigates allegations against officers of wrongdoing.
Ellen K. Schwartz began work yesterday. She heads a division that has been troubled in recent years by charges of racism in meting out discipline. A recent survey found that 80 percent of the 3,200-member force felt that the disciplinary system was unfair.
Schwartz spent the past six years as assistant deputy commissioner of trial in the New York Police Department. In that position, she presided over internal disciplinary hearings, decided officers' guilt or innocence and recommended punishments to the commissioner.
Woman found slain in West Baltimore home
The body of a woman whose throat had been cut was found last night in her West Baltimore home.
Detective Dennis Raftery said the woman's employer called police after she had not been to work for two days. He said firefighters forcibly entered the house in the 2100 block of Clifton Ave. about 7:30 p.m. and found Viola Brown, 50, lying in her dining room in a pool of blood.
Raftery said Brown, an employee of Louis J. Rheb Candy Co. in the 3300 block of Wilkens Ave., didn't report to work Monday and yesterday. He said anyone with information about the killing can contact him at 410-396-2100.
Elderly, disabled getting emergency lights
Baltimore police are distributing to elderly and disabled residents outdoor lights that will flash in emergencies and help officers and rescue workers get aid to them more quickly.
The city is handing out 100 of the lights in Northwest Baltimore as part of a pilot program sponsored by the Taco Bell Corp. The lights attach to porch lights and can be turned on with a switch.
Police said the lights will help officers responding to 911 calls to quickly find the address. Anyone interested should call the Northwestern District's community affairs office: 410-396-2466.
Learning center offers GED courses for the fall
Registration is being held for fall classes at South Baltimore Learning Center, 28 E. Ostend St.
Classes in adult basic education, Pre-GED, GED and individual training will be offered from Sept. 11 to mid-December at the center, Harbor Hospital Center, the Brooklyn Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Curtis Bay Elementary School and in Pigtown at St. Jerome's Head Start and Paul's Place.
Morning and evening classes are available. GED students must pay a fee. Information or registration: 410-625-4215.
In Baltimore County
Retirees program seeks nature walk volunteers
TOWSON -- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Aging, is seeking volunteers 55 or older to lead nature walks for children at a Maryland nature center.
Training will begin Sept. 12.
Information: Bernadette Hanlon, 410-887-2059.
Naval Academy's band to perform at Charlestown
CATONSVILLE -- The Community Concert Series at Charlestown Retirement Community will present the Naval Academy's Commodores band at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the John Erickson Conference Center.
The Commodores perform jazz and big-band music.
Admission is free. Information: 410-247-3400, Ext. 8577.
