Snow Hill, Maryland (June 30, 2022) – The Worcester County Commissioners are seeking interest from area residents to serve on three new civilian boards being implemented under the Maryland Police Accountability Act. These include the Police Accountability Board, Administrative Charging Committee, and Trial Board.
Effective July 2022 the Maryland Police Accountability Act will replace the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights (LEOBR) as the system for police discipline. The new act replaces the mostly internal discipline system under LEOBR with a multi-tiered system of external civilian boards.
The Police Accountability Board will consist of seven members to serve as the overall governing body of the system.
The Charging Committee will consist of five members who will review complaints and investigations of police misconduct, determine whether an officer should be charged with misconduct, and if charged recommend discipline from the State-created matrix.
The Trial Board will consist of three members, be chaired by a retired or administrative law judge, and will conduct hearings if an officer does not accept the disciplinary measures recommended by the Charging Committee.
Members of the three boards must meet applicable qualifications and will receive mandated training.
Applications to serve on these boards are available at www.co.worcester.md.us/PAB. Send the completed application along with a letter of interest and a resume outlining any pertinent experience, to PAB@co.worcester.md.us or Worcester County Administration at One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.