FREDERICK, Md. – Individuals who want to serve on Frederick County’s newly formed Police Accountability Board have until May 20, 2022, to submit their applications for consideration. The Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 requires each county in Maryland to establish a Police Accountability Board. The purpose of the board is to review any complaints of police misconduct made by the public, and to ensure transparency and accountability in situations when misconduct has been alleged. The Accountability Board will appoint civilian members to charging committees and trial boards. Board members also are tasked with identifying trends and recommending any policy changes they believe are necessary.
The 11-member Frederick County Police Accountability Board will manage the complaint process for the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Frederick Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, and the Thurmont Police Department. Members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council to serve three-year terms, although initially some appointees will serve one- or two-year terms so appointments are staggered. The board will meet at least quarterly. All members must undergo training from the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, and any other training deemed necessary and will be subject to the Frederick County Ethics Law.
Active police officers and their immediate family may not serve on the board, according to State law. Individuals who have been convicted of, or received probation before judgment for, a crime with a statutory penalty of more than two years also are excluded from serving. Other requirements can be found at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/PoliceBoard.
Membership on Frederick County’s board should reflect the racial, gender, and cultural diversity of the county, as much as possible. It should include representation from communities that experience a higher frequency of interactions with law enforcement, such as people who are Black/African American, Latino, and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer (LGBTQ), first or second-generation immigrants, people with disabilities, people with behavioral health concerns, and people who have experienced homelessness.
To learn more about the role of the Police Accountability Board and its members, or to apply for consideration to serve, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/PoliceBoard. Questions should be directed to Administrative Officer Joyce Grossnickle by emailing FCGboards@FrederickCountyMD.gov or by calling 301-600-1102.
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