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ACP adopts clearer public‑comment language: 'advisory body, not empowered to address specific incidents'
Summary
The Montgomery County ACP approved revised website text and an automatic-response message that clarifies the commission is advisory and cannot address complaints about specific incidents; the commission will forward PAB-relevant complaints to the PAB and direct incident complaints to the County Council contact page.
The Montgomery County Advisory Commission on Policing voted to adopt revised website and public‑comment language that clarifies the commission’s advisory role and explains how incident-specific complaints should be routed.
Chair Francisco reviewed the draft automatic-response text for people who submit public comments. The proposed message explains the ACP’s mission to advise the County Council on policing matters and states that, “as an advisory body, the Commission is not empowered to address complaints on specific incidents.” Commissioners suggested minor wording changes to make the text clearer (one commissioner recommended explicitly naming the Montgomery County Advisory Commission on Policing in the first sentence).
Commissioners agreed the website should also note that complaints the commission receives that are within the jurisdiction of the Police Accountability Board (PAB) will be forwarded automatically to the PAB; for incident-specific complaints that require a direct response, staff will direct residents to the County Council contact page.
A motion to approve the revised language with the suggested edits was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. Staff will publish the updated text on the ACP website.
