TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has announced that he will introduce legislation to establish a Police Accountability Board (PAB), a civilian panel charged with working with law enforcement and county officials to make recommendations to improve policing. The Board is required by the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021.
“We are continually working to improve accountability across our government, including in our police department,” Olszewski said. “The Police Accountability Board will serve an important role in improving law enforcement and public safety in Baltimore County, and furthering our efforts to strengthen relationships between police and the communities they serve.”
Under the state law passed last year, each county must have a police accountability board to:
- Hold quarterly meetings with heads of law enforcement agencies and otherwise work with law enforcement agencies and the county government to improve matters of policing;
- Appoint civilian members to charging committees and trial boards;
- Receive complaints of police misconduct filed by members of the public;
- On a quarterly basis, review outcomes of disciplinary matters considered by charging committees; and
- Submit an annual report that identifies any trends in the disciplinary process of police officers in the county and makes recommendations on changes to policy that would improve police accountability in the county.
n Monday, April 4, Olszewski will introduce legislation to the Baltimore County Council to create the Police Accountability Board. The proposed legislation creates a nine-member PAB, including one member from each County Council district and two at-large members. The County is seeking input from residents on the establishment of the PAB, including feedback on process, functions, and membership. Any interested member of the public should submit written feedback to [email protected].
Additionally, the Administration will hold two community input sessions:
- Wednesday, April 6, 6:30-8 p.m., Randallstown Community Center
- Thursday, April 7, 6:30-8 p.m., virtual
Residents can also provide legislative testimony before the County Council on April 26, 2022.
Olszewski will make appointments to the PAB following passage of the County Council legislation. For more information about the PAB legislation or public input opportunities, visit the PAB webpage.
