What happened in Baltimore, Maryland, created a nightmare situation for law enforcement in the United States and ignited fierce debate about the judgment of officials.

Many feel they should have been able to spot early signs that a dangerous mood existed throughout Baltimore over the death of Freddie Gray, who suffered injuries while in police custody and died, and that misjudgment resulted in mayhem not seen since the assassination of civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King in 1968.

Just as the late President Lyndon Johnson stated back then, that millions of Americans did not pull the trigger that ended King’s life, the same holds true for the many good, law-abiding citizens in Baltimore, who took no part in the madness that saw parts of the area erupt in flames, with Police being jnjured and a number of arrests made.

Much of the world was watching this unfold on the day history was made, as America’s new Attorney-General was sworn in — the first black female to hold such a position. It marked a new chapter in progress since the days when her family was denied so much because of racism and injustice.

A short time after taking office, replacing Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch lost no time in condemning those who infiltrated peaceful demonstrators in Baltimore, turning what should have been a day of mourning into a senseless display of civil disorder that served no purpose in seeking justice. It was only after a number of students clashed with Police and hostilities began to expand did it seem obvious that it would get far worse before it got better.

There were moments the Police, even with riot gear, seemed helpless to halt out-of-control rioters and blatant looting. A major structure almost completed for seniors went up in flames.

It was a terrible night. Officials were left with no alternative but to impose a curfew and request assistance from the National Guard.

It all seemed as though officials were caught off-guard in preparing to avoid such a level of civil disobedience, knowing emotions for some would be running high on the day of Gray’s funeral.

In light of heated emotions over incidents involving highly questionable actions by some Police, there was no way officials in Baltimore could be uneasy about the potential for trouble, since there were no clear answers as to how Gray sustained a severed spine while in police custody.

Several investigations into the incident, including a probe by the Justice Department, are under way but it could be some time before an answer is forthcoming.

Most knew it would be a long road ahead, especially in light of the damage to the business community, where so many jobs went up in flames. Repairing the emotional damage along with trying to rebuild will take more than a few speeches and promises.

When this type of thing happens anywhere, there is always a cluster of voices clamouring for attention, and often what is needed is a quiet pause to regain composure. Perhaps the imposed curfew might help.

There are hard lessons for all free societies, that smouldering anger by some should never be underestimated because, at the slightest opportunity, people with no regard for law and order are capable of using mayhem as a smokescreen to do harm, loot, or damage property.

I recall moments in Bermuda when we were near the brink of what appeared to be out-of-control violence, with fires and significant property damage over the hanging of two men convicted of murder, with one of the victims a former Governor, Sir Richard Sharples. It was a sad time for the Island.

Many countries have faced situations that boil down to a test between those who respect law and order, while working to improve conditions, and those who feel justified in committing crimes as a means to vent. Two wrongs have never ... you know the rest.

Some images from the Baltimore disturbances clearly showed that some citizens were willing to make a stand against violence, even if it meant putting themselves at risk.

War veteran Robert Valentine stood telling a group of young people to disperse and go home. They reportedly cursed at first, but later left the area. A mother was captured on video slapping her son in no uncertain terms, ordering him to leave the area. After a few slaps he moved away. She, too, was making a brave stand that needed more than mere words.

Criminal violence is never the answer to any problem, and one can only hope that Baltimore and other states learn from what needs to be done to build better communities, with closer relations between the Police and the people they serve. It is a lesson for any society.