Photo by Mary Ella Jourdak

Real public safety for all requires community control of police. That is why when the ACLU helped pass the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021, a key component of the law required all counties and Baltimore City to establish a Police Accountability Board (PAB) and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC). But in order for PABs to do their jobs, they must have independent investigatory powers.

Now, along with 100+ partners in the Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability (MCJPA), the ACLU of Maryland is working to ensure that the local PABs have the power and funding they need to start to realize community control of the police.

Unfortunately, despite strong community support, research, and best practices showing that independent investigatory powers are critical to community oversight board, no PABs in Maryland have this authority now. Currently, PABs and ACC’s are relying solely on internal police investigations when conducting reviews and deciding whether or not to charge an officer.

That is why the ACLU and our partners in MCJPA are strongly advocating for state legislation to award these powers to PABs around the state.

Stay informed

2024 Maryland General Assembly Priorities

Check out the section on PABs.

Maryland State House with a magenta filter and dark green background.

The ACLU of Maryland is a non-partisan organization that exists to empower Marylanders to exercise their rights so that the law values and uplifts their humanity. The items below are some of the issues we expect to dedicate significant time and resources to during the 2024 legislative session.

Our 2024 Policy Priorities

Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability

Maryland's policing system is working exactly as intended. It's unacceptable.

Prince George's County rally photo for mothers of Black peoole killed by police. A group of people are standing in a park holding signs with people's names who were killed.

After the police killed George Floyd and many others, and the national outcry that followed, we have seen countless statements, social media posts, and other expressions of solidarity with Black Marylanders who have suffered police abuse. That's important, but more is needed. The Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability is an alliance of Marylanders who are seeking police accountability through legislative change.

MCJPA

Ensure Independent Investigatory Powers for Police Accountability Boards

The Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 directed all counties and Baltimore City to establish a Police Accountability Board (PAB) and Administrative Charging Committee (ACC).

Two Black advocates hold up a banner that says, "Police Can't Investigate Themselves." They're standing outside at a rally.

Despite strong community support, research, and best practices showing that independent investigatory powers are critical to community oversight board, no PABs in Maryland have this authority now. Currently, PABs and ACC’s are relying solely on internal police investigations when conducting reviews and deciding whether or not to charge an officer. For Police Accountability Boards to truly act as independent and active oversight bodies, these powers must be awarded to PABs around the state.

In 2024, the ACLU and the Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability will work to pass a bill to:

  • Clarify that local governing bodies have the power to allow their PABs to issue subpoenas;
  • Interview witnesses;
  • Employ all other investigative techniques necessary to draw accurate conclusions about incidents; and
  • Investigate claims prior the ACC making a decision.    
PAB Fact Sheet

Police Accountability Board in Prince George’s County Needs Full Independent Investigatory & Subpoena Powers

The ACLU of Maryland, Prince George’s Coalition for Police Accountability, and other community partners are working to pass CB-81-2023.

A group of Black and Residents of Color who are also advocates in Prince George's County are standing together. Two have their fists raised and two are holding signs that say "Police Accountability Board." Photo by Sergio España.

This bill would explicitly award the Prince George’s County’s Police Accountability Board (PAB) with concurrent investigatory and subpoena powers. Allowing the PAB to investigate claims as they come in will enable the board to effectively review complaints of police misconduct and preserve the integrity of witness testimonies, documents, and footage. Furthermore, it will help enhance the public’s trust in the outcome of investigations.

The Prince George’s County Council must pass CB-81-2023 to empower the local Police Accountability Board to have full independent investigatory and subpoena powers.

Prince George's County PAB Fact Sheet