Editor’s Note: Former Art. XXII, Risk Management, Safety
and Accident Review Boards, adopted by Exec. Order No. 77-1, as amended,
was repealed by Bill No. 15-030.
There is established a Harford County Police Accountability Board
as required under Title 3 of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated
Code of Maryland.
Editor's Note: Section 2 of Bill No. 22-018 stated that the
term for the initial members appointed to the Board shall be two years.
After the initial term, members serve as specified in this subsection.
Is an active police officer as that term is defined in § 9-139 of the Harford County Code, as amended, an employee of the Sheriff's Office or an employee of a local municipal police agency; or
Has been convicted of, or received probation before judgment for,
a felony or misdemeanor for which a sentence of imprisonment for 1
year or more could have been imposed.
The County Council shall appoint a member to serve as the Chair of
the Board; and this member shall have relevant experience with the
operation of a law enforcement agency.
The County Council may consult with the Harford County Police Commission,
community groups, business associations or any other organization
within Harford County to assist in the recruitment of individuals
to serve as members.
Each member shall sign an agreement to maintain the confidentiality
of all matters related to individual complaints until final disposition
and all appeals have been exhausted.
The County Council shall establish a budget for the Board and assign
staff, as needed, for the Board. As needed, the County Attorney shall
retain special legal counsel to serve as counsel to the Board.
The Board shall keep accurate and complete records of its business,
and the Harford County Law Department shall serve as the custodian
of the records. The Board shall keep records of all business of the
Board for 5 years from the date of the generation or collection of
the record.
Hold quarterly meetings with the heads of law enforcement agencies
and otherwise work with law enforcement agencies and County government
to improve matters of policing.
Receive complaints of police misconduct filed by members of the public
which shall be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency
within 3 days of receipt by the Board. To be accepted, complaints
shall be filed by the public and shall include the name of the officer
accused of misconduct, a description of the facts upon which the complaint
is based and the legal name and contact information of the complainant
or the person filing on behalf of the complainant.