Council voices concerns over MCPD's unilateral decision to change media access

In a recent meeting of the Advisory Commission on Policing in Montgomery County, Maryland, members expressed concern over a unilateral decision made by the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) regarding changes to media access to police information. The decision, which was first reported by the media rather than communicated directly to the council, has raised questions about transparency and public safety.

Commission members highlighted the abrupt nature of the change, noting that it lacked prior discussion or input from the council. One member described the situation as "shocking," emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the implications for media access and public information dissemination. Concerns were raised about whether the public information office would be able to effectively inform residents about critical safety issues, such as the presence of dangerous individuals in their neighborhoods.

The discussion also touched on the potential need for a new subcommittee to address these issues, although some members expressed skepticism about the necessity of creating additional committees. Instead, they suggested that the commission should directly engage with the police department to gain clarity on the new policies regarding encrypted messaging and its impact on public communication.

The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between law enforcement and the community, particularly in light of recent changes that could affect public safety and awareness. As the commission considers its next steps, the need for a comprehensive discussion with the MCPD appears to be a priority, ensuring that the community remains informed and safe.