County Executive's Radio Deal Sparks Controversy Over Transparency

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Wicomico County and Eastern Shore Undercover regarding access to police dispatch radio transmissions. The MoU stipulates that the county will provide Eastern Shore Undercover with a county-owned radio to access police communications, while also outlining the responsibilities of both parties in adhering to the Maryland Public Information Act.

Key points of the MoU include the county's commitment to inform Eastern Shore Undercover of any confidential communications and the requirement for the organization to publish accurate dispatch data on social media, with a delay of 15 to 30 minutes to ensure officer safety. The MoU also emphasizes that sensitive information, as defined by the Maryland Attorney General, should not be published.

Sheriff Lewis, who was present at the meeting, explained the rationale behind encrypting police radio transmissions. He highlighted that encryption is crucial for protecting sensitive communications, particularly during emergencies involving the SWAT team or school resource officers, where the disclosure of information could compromise safety and confidentiality.

Concerns were raised regarding the legality of providing a county-owned radio to a non-county entity, as there appears to be no provision in the county charter or code that allows such a transfer. The discussion also touched on the implications of immediate access to police communications, which could undermine the county's compliance with the Public Information Act, as it typically requires a review period for redacting confidential information before disclosure.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing transparency with the need for operational security in law enforcement communications. As the council continues to evaluate the MoU, the implications for public access to police information and the protection of sensitive data remain critical points of discussion.