As used in this chapter, the following words have the meanings
indicated:
DISCIPLINARY MATRIX
A statewide disciplinary matrix developed, approved, and
published by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission
pursuant to § 3-105 of the Public Safety Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland, as amended from time to time.
EXONERATED
A determination that a police officer acted in accordance
with the law and agency policy.
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (LEA)
An organizational unit or subunit of the state government
or its counties or municipalities with the principal functions of
prevention, detection, and investigation of crime and apprehension
of alleged offenders. Examples of LEAs include: Maryland State Police;
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services; Maryland
Police and Correctional Training Commissions; Maryland Transportation
Authority Police; Maryland Department of General Services Police;
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police; Maryland State Fire
Marshal; Maryland Transit Administration Police; Maryland Office of
the Comptroller, Field Enforcement Unit; a municipal or county police
force; and a County Sheriff or deputy, regardless whether merit or
contract, with the principal functions of training/certification,
prevention.
POLICE MISCONDUCT
A pattern, a practice, or conduct by a police officer or
LEA that includes:
A.
Depriving persons of rights protected by the Constitution or
laws of the state or the United States;
B.
A violation of a criminal statute; or
C.
A violation of LEA standards and policies.
POLICE OFFICER
Shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 3-201(f)
of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as
amended from time to time.
SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY
Shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 3-201(d)
of the Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as
amended from time to time.
UNFOUNDED
Allegations against a police officer that are not supported
by fact.