Montgomery County residents will be granted heightened oversight of law enforcement via a new accountability task force created by the county council on Tuesday.
The nine-member police accountability board, which was approved unanimously, will handle complaints alleging police misconduct and create a system of discipline for officers who violate procedures. The task force is set to be assembled immediately and will start reviewing complaints in July 2023.
“I am pleased to have shepherded a legislative process that has been transparent and engaged community stakeholders, law enforcement and advocates to create a civilian board that will promote trust, impartiality and accountability in cases of police misconduct,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz in a statement Tuesday. “Montgomery County stands ready to meet this critical moment facing our society and wants to make certain that our County residents, including our police officers, are protected from harm and remain on the same path toward justice.”
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The creation of the task force is meant to increase the public’s trust in law enforcement and ensure officers are compliant with state law as they carry out their duties, according to the council.
“Complaints alleging police misconduct by a police officer employed by the County or by a municipality filed by a member of the public must be handled with the utmost care and attention,” said Councilwoman Sidney Katz. “Thank you to my colleagues who worked diligently in committee and at full Council, as well as to the many interested residents who took the time to share their thoughts with us.”
The Maryland House, during its legislative session last year, passed an extensive police reform bill that required county governments to create accountability task forces for local police by July 1. These citizen-led boards are required to review police misconduct complaints and oversee disciplinary action, according to the legislation, which was enacted after supermajorities in both chambers of the Maryland Legislature voted to override Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto last April.
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Calvert County approved the creation of its own police accountability board in May 2021, which is set to take effect this summer. Anne Arundel County also approved a task force on Wednesday that will go into effect in either June or July.
The nine members of Montgomery County’s accountability board will each serve three-year terms. The task force will be empowered to review reported incidents that occur this July or later.
