Legislation Includes Implementation of Maryland Accountability Act of 2021 and Establishment of Police Accountability Board
The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, enacted a legislative package addressing police accountability in the County. CB-021-2022, CB-022-2022, CB-023-2022 and CB-024-2022, are police reform measures proposed and by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and submitted to the County Council for review as required by State law.
Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, says the legislation has been thoroughly reviewed by the County Council.
“The Council conducted several Committee of the Whole sessions on the measures and received public testimony from residents and stakeholders on this critical issue, resulting in the final package of amended legislation. The police reform bills adopted by the Council are a major step in the right direction and places, at the core, the public safety of our residents and model policing in Prince George’s County.”
CB-021-2022 implements the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 passed by the General Assembly, and establishes a Police Accountability Board, an Administrative Charging Committee and Trial Boards for Prince George’s County’s and its municipalities. The legislation also establishes qualifications for board and committee members, method of appointment and process for selecting the Police Accountability Board chairperson; and provides a process to receive complaints alleging police misconduct.
CB-022-2022 and CB-023-2022 repeal the Citizen Complaint Oversight Panel and the Prince George’s County Police Department Use of Force statutory provision respectively as part of the new Prince George’s County laws being enacted in accordance with the State of Maryland Police Accountability Act.
CB-024-2022 addresses participation by public safety employees in certain matters and use of County resources by police officers during participation in those matters. Specifically, amending and clarifying prohibited conduct for employees of Prince George’s County.
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