While the new oversight system mandated by the Maryland Police Accountability Act is causing strife and contention in some parts of the state, law enforcement officers in Worcester County say they’re working well with the Police Accountability Board.
As some counties struggled to set up their boards and others have been flooded with complaints about police, here in Worcester County the Police Accountability Board (PAB) has quietly established a schedule of quarterly meetings. While there are complaints to be reviewed by the board’s charging committee, the PAB spends the bulk of its time communicating with law enforcement and learning local agencies’ policies and procedures. Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing says that effort to build a foundation of understanding kept Worcester County from experiencing the conflicts seen elsewhere in Maryland.
“We are parts of a single process,” Downing said. “It’s not a situation where we’re adversaries.”
The Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021, which replaced the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights as the system for police discipline, went into effect in July 2022. As a result, Worcester County had to create a police accountability board, a charging committee and a trial board. The seven-member accountability board — appointed by the Worcester County Commissioners — met for the first time in Sept. of 2022. Since then, the PAB has received 12 complaints. While the most recent two are still under investigation, all but one of the remaining 10 were determined to be unfounded by the PAB’s charging committee. In December 2022, the PAB received a complaint from a citizen who said a Pocomoke officer had been disrespectful. The officer’s department recommended a written reprimand and more training. The PAB’s charging committee agreed with the discipline.
In 2023, citizens filed complaints alleging police had conducted unlawful traffic stops, harassment and unlawful detainment, among other charges. According to Roscoe Leslie, the county’s attorney, complaints can be filed directly with the PAB or through the agency whose officer is the subject of the complaint. The charge is then investigated by the officer’s department. The internal report is forwarded to the charging committee, which then reviews the materials and issues a ruling.
“All complaints are addressed impartially and thoroughly,” said Greg Tate, chair of the PAB.
Worcester County’s law enforcement and surrounding towns, have a great relationship, from what I’ve heard. Not surprised.