Council adds police-chief appointment to agenda but requires forensic background check before vote

The Glenarden City Council placed a resolution on the work-session agenda to appoint Scott Henderson as police chief, but several council members insisted that any vote be contingent on a comprehensive background investigation meeting heightened standards.

Councilwoman Robin Jones said the council needs a "very thorough background investigation" and referenced prior personnel cases where MPTC (Maryland Police and Training Commission) investigations led to resignations. Mayor Pro Tem Angela Ferguson urged a forensic-level check, noting such reviews typically include financial, neighbor and employment history checks: "they should automatically have a forensic, forensic, which is a comprehensive background check," she said.

Staff told the council fingerprinting had not yet been completed and that the administration intended to use third-party vendors or other agencies for an expedited, high-level review if council so directs. Mister Wood offered to solicit quotes and timetables from vendors that specialize in background investigations for senior public-safety positions.

Council did not vote on the appointment during the work session. Members emphasized that MPTC approval or similar vetting would be required before any final appointment vote and directed staff to proceed with a comprehensive background process.

What happens next: staff will arrange fingerprinting and pursue a forensic/third-party background investigation and report back to council; council indicated it will not vote until that information is complete.