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Police Accountability Board reports 35 complaints in 2024; administrative review yielded 8 charges
Summary
The Washington County Police Accountability Board reported 35 complaints in 2024 (two submitted through the board), 37 files reviewed by the administrative charging committee, 59 determination letters issued and eight cases that led to administrative charges against officers; the board anticipates appointing additional civilian trial board members.
The Washington County Police Accountability Board reported its 2024 activities to the Board of County Commissioners, saying 35 complaints were filed in 2024 — two received through the board and 33 initially submitted directly to law enforcement agencies and routed to the board as required.
Chair Steve McCarty said the administrative charging committee reviewed 37 cases and issued 59 determination letters in 2024; eight cases led to administrative charges against officers. The board noted 27 cases involved the Hagerstown Police Department and nine involved the Washington County Sheriff's Office. McCarty said no trial board hearings were conducted in 2024 but appointments of new civilian trial board members were anticipated in the coming year.
McCarty described recurring topics in committee discussions, including use of profanity by officers, the time-consuming review of body-worn camera footage, and the committee’s training investments (members completed 40 hours of police-training-commission instruction). Commissioners thanked board members and described the report as an “outstanding” outcome given the volume of interactions between police and residents.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the number of administrative actions; board leaders confirmed eight cases resulted in administrative charges and emphasized many complaints were exonerated or resolved after review.
