ANNAPOLIS – Maryland’s court system has created a database that makes it easier for police and other to verify the existence of protective orders.
The new Web-accessible database includes all protective and peace orders issued in Maryland.
It went online July 1 for testing, and court officials are confident it’s working properly.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert Bell said the database allows police officers to quickly verify the existence of orders — even when they’re at the scene of a domestic violence incident.
Court officials said the database also will improve communication between district and circuit courts and help eliminate conflicting or simultaneous orders.
The database was created with a grant from the federal Office of Violence Against Women. – AP