The Advisory Commission on Policing reviewed its recent in-person public forum, discussed rules for future public comment sessions, and agreed to track outgoing correspondence sent in its official capacity.

Commission members reported turnout estimates ranging from roughly 30 to more than 50 attendees. Several commissioners said the forum yielded useful input but also drew lengthy testimony and some off-topic remarks. Members discussed time limits for speakers, whether written submissions should be read aloud in full, and how to handle misinformation in real time.

Francisco volunteered to draft a letter to State's Attorney John McCarthy asking him to clarify an earlier statement about the source of firearms seized in the county. Francisco and others said McCarthy's prior comment (reported as 80 percent) conflicted with MCPD data the commission reviewed; Francisco said the correct figure appears to be 18 percent of guns seized at traffic stops in 2023 were the result of consent searches, not 80 percent.

The commission also approved a formal process to track letters it sends on official business. A motion to record outgoing correspondence in old business and follow those items until a response is received was moved, seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Commission members agreed to prepare guidance for future public forums, including time limits and how to handle pre-submitted materials, and to report back with suggested rules of engagement before the next in-person event.

The commission's co-chairs were also offered a work-session slot by the County Council's Public Safety Committee for Monday, Dec. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; staff said the block time is tentative and the ACP can present a brief overview of its year and plans for the coming year.