Police Accountability Board Established In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has signed legislation establishing the county's Police Accountability Board, calling the measure an "important step toward building trust and creating stronger ties between the Howard County Police Department and the community."

When fully operational, the board will review the outcome of complaint investigations to determine discipline and identify trends that could improve policing. The board also will accept and forward complaints from citizens for investigation by the police and sheriff’s departments. Local authority establishing the board had been approved by the County Council and was required under a state law adopted in 2021.

“Prioritizing public safety and reinforcing public trust can go hand in hand, and each remains a priority of my administration,” Ball said. “Howard County’s Police Accountability Board will ensure transparency and engage our residents as partners in accountability.”

Howard County’s board will be made up of seven voting members, two at-large members and one from each of the five councilmanic districts. Members will be appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Howard County Council. Appointed members must be county residents, at least 25 years old and have a committed interest and active involvement in Howard County community service. Members will have to undergo a criminal background check and sign a non-disclosure agreement as a condition of appointment.

“The Howard County Police Department welcomes opportunities to promote community trust and transparency,” said Police Chief Greg Der. “The Police Accountability Board will serve as a community-based means of identifying trends in the disciplinary process and offering recommendations for policy changes to improve accountability. While the number of external complaints against HCPD officers is very low, these processes will help maintain integrity and community support.”

“One of my main objectives as a law enforcement leader in Howard County is to build a strong relationship between my office and the community that we serve,” added Sheriff Marcus Harris. “The Police Accountability Board will be a tremendous tool in helping us build this relationship by providing a level of transparency that did not exist before as well as maintaining the integrity that I require for my office.”