Prince George's County Police Accountability Board reports successful community engagement initiatives

On May 1, 2025, the Prince George - Health, Human Services and Public Safety Committee convened to discuss significant developments regarding the Police Accountability Board (PAB) and its initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and police accountability in Prince George's County, Maryland.

The meeting highlighted the PAB's recent accomplishments, particularly its outreach efforts designed to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Notably, the board participated in the 2024 National Night Out, an event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood unity. Additionally, in March 2025, the PAB engaged in a community conversation podcast, collaborating with the Memorial Library System and the Office of Human Rights to raise awareness about its role in the complaint process.

A key focus of the meeting was the PAB's annual report, which was mandated by legislation and successfully published for 2024. This report underscored the board's quarterly meetings with police chiefs, which have led to improved cooperation and understanding among law enforcement agencies.

To further enhance community involvement, the PAB launched a community feedback survey aimed at gathering public input on law enforcement interactions and awareness of the board's functions. This anonymous survey is accessible on the PAB's website, allowing residents to share their experiences and opinions directly.

Financial support for these initiatives came from two significant grants. The PAB received $110,000 through the community grant program, which funded a campaign to educate residents about the board's role and the citizens' grievance process. This funding also facilitated the development and distribution of the community survey. Additionally, the PAB was awarded $115,000 through the PAC grant, which was used to promote transparency and public awareness of the board's mission. Key outreach efforts included advertising on 40 metro buses and digital displays at metro stations, which have reportedly increased public understanding of the PAB's role.

Following the launch of these advertising initiatives, the PAB observed a 10% increase in complaints in March compared to previous months, with an overall 25% rise in average monthly complaints since the campaign began. This uptick suggests that the outreach efforts are effectively encouraging community members to engage with the board and report misconduct.

As the meeting concluded, committee members expressed appreciation for the PAB's work and its ongoing commitment to fostering accountability and trust within the community. The discussions underscored the importance of continued engagement between law enforcement and residents, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and community relations in Prince George's County.