Baltimore County Police Accountability Board votes down motion to review public complaints

Baltimore County's Police Accountability Board (PAB) faced a pivotal moment during its recent meeting on April 21, 2025, as members debated a motion to allow the board to review complaints filed by the public against law enforcement officers. The proposed change aimed to enhance transparency and accountability within the police department, aligning with the principles established by the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021.

The motion, introduced by board member Peter Fitzpatrick, emphasized the necessity for the PAB to access and review complaints to effectively fulfill its mandate of improving policing practices. Fitzpatrick argued that without reviewing these complaints, the board could not adequately advocate for policy changes or ensure accountability. He expressed concern over the current structure, which limits access to complaint details, thereby undermining the board's ability to act as a community oversight body.

Public comments during the meeting echoed these sentiments. Claire Landers, a community advocate, highlighted the importance of the board being informed about the nature and patterns of complaints to build public confidence. Lorena Diaz from the ACLU of Maryland reinforced the call for the board to review all complaints, stating that the current limitations hinder the board's ability to make informed recommendations.

However, the motion faced significant opposition from some board members who raised concerns about the legislative authority of the PAB. They argued that the current statute only permits the board to receive complaints, not to review them, and warned that expanding the board's role could lead to confusion regarding its responsibilities. This perspective was supported by legal interpretations that emphasized the need to adhere strictly to the legislative framework governing the board's operations.

Ultimately, the motion to allow the PAB to review complaints was put to a vote and failed, with several members expressing their desire to maintain the current procedural limits. The outcome reflects ongoing tensions between the desire for greater accountability and the constraints of existing legislation.

As the PAB continues its work, the discussions from this meeting underscore the critical need for clarity in its role and the importance of community trust in policing practices. The board's future actions will be closely watched as it navigates these challenges and seeks to fulfill its commitment to accountability in Baltimore County.