NEWSLETTER: Reforming Police Departments and Increasing Transparency in Maryland

A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN HOYER

This session the Maryland General Assembly passed a package of legislation to reform the culture of police departments and increase transparency between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. For too long, systemic racism and injustice has claimed the lives of countless African Americans. This sweeping package of reform measures is an important step toward putting an end to this discrimination.

I applaud the bipartisan efforts of state lawmakers to approve this critical package and ensure the safety of residents.

Among other things, this law will work to:

• Replace the Maryland Officer's Bill of Rights with a civilian-driven process for police misconduct,
• Provide greater support for victim's rights and stronger investigation standards on wrongful policing,
• Help root out bad actors in police departments and implement stronger measures to hold police officers accountable,
• Mandate body cameras and implement stricter requirements on no-knock warrants,
• Prohibit the purchase of military-grade equipment from the federal government,
• Allow greater transparency of public records, and
• Implement implicit bias training.

Every Marylander should have full confidence in law enforcement officers and feel safe in their communities. This package of bills takes critical steps toward repairing the relationship between law enforcement and citizens. Last year, our nation faced a moment of racial reckoning after the horrific killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the casework request form by clicking here.

Sincerely Yours,

Steny H. Hoyer