Meeting Overview: The Saint Mary’s County Police Accountability Board (PAB) convened on May 16, 2024, chaired by Nick Cromwell. The meeting included the roll call, approval of the agenda, and review of three key cases related to police conduct. Participants included PAB members, the county deputy attorney, the county legal assistant, and the newly appointed OPR commander, Lieutenant Josh Crum.
Case Reviews: The Board reviewed three cases investigated by the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC), focusing on allegations including unreasonable force and biased policing.
Case 2304 (Incident Date: February 24, 2023)
Incident Details:
- Location: Leonardtown
- Incident: Three deputies were dispatched to execute a court-ordered emergency evaluation of a complainant. The situation escalated when the complainant, who matched the description provided to the deputies, refused to cooperate and attempted to evade the officers. The deputies pursued the complainant into his home, where he resisted arrest. A physical altercation ensued, during which the complainant claimed to have been injured, specifically alleging that his right ankle was intentionally harmed by the officers. He also accused the deputies of using excessive force and violating his constitutional rights.
- Allegations:
- Unreasonable and unwarranted use of force
- Violation of constitutional rights
- Failure to properly activate a body-worn camera during the incident
Findings:
- Force Used: The ACC reviewed the body-worn camera footage, interview transcripts, and other evidence. They concluded that the force used by the deputies was necessary and proportional, considering the complainant’s resistance and the potential threat he posed. The complainant had ignored repeated commands and showed aggressive behavior, including retreating further into his house, which could have led to access to weapons or other means of harm.
- Body-Worn Camera: Although one deputy activated his body-worn camera later than required by policy, the ACC found that this was due to the rapidly evolving situation and did not warrant disciplinary action.
- Outcome: The ACC determined that all allegations were unfounded, and no disciplinary action was recommended.
Case 2305 (Incident Date: July 19, 2023)
Incident Details:
- Location: Saint Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, Leonardtown
- Incident: A Native American complainant accused a deputy of racial profiling after a brief interaction in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s Office headquarters. The complainant, who was waiting outside while his Caucasian companion was inside the building reporting a fraud, alleged that the deputy approached him without cause, believing this action was racially motivated.
- Allegations:
- Biased-based policing
- Discrimination
- Violation of constitutional rights
Findings:
- Interaction with Complainant: The ACC reviewed body-worn camera and security footage, which showed that the interaction between the deputy and the complainant was brief and professional. The deputy approached the complainant to inquire if he needed assistance, which the complainant quickly declined. The ACC found no evidence to support the claim that the deputy’s actions were racially motivated or that he behaved inappropriately.
- Outcome: The allegations were found to be without merit. The ACC concluded that the deputy’s actions were consistent with standard procedures, and no disciplinary action was necessary.
Case 2306 (Incident Date: March 13, 2023)
Incident Details:
- Location: Lexington Park, District 4, Saint Mary’s County
- Incident: Deputies responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment complex. The female complainant alleged that the male complainant had assaulted her with a broom, causing it to break. The male complainant, who later arrived at the Sheriff’s Office parking lot, denied the assault and claimed that he was the actual victim, having been attacked by the female complainant. He also alleged that the deputies failed to properly investigate his claims, which he attributed to racial bias.
- Allegations:
- Biased-based policing
- Discrimination
- Violation of constitutional rights
- Failure to properly investigate and secure evidence
Findings:
- Investigation Shortcomings: The ACC found significant shortcomings in the deputies’ investigation. The responding officers failed to collect key evidence, such as the broken broomstick and a screwdriver allegedly used in the altercation. They also did not properly document the crime scene or follow up on the male complainant’s claims. The investigation was further hampered by the failure to secure the scene overnight, which compromised the integrity of the evidence.
- Bias Allegations: Despite these investigative failures, the ACC found no evidence that the deputies’ actions were motivated by racial bias. Both the male and female complainants were African American, and the ACC determined that the deputies’ errors were due to inadequate supervision and poor investigative procedures, not discrimination.
- Outcome: The ACC recommended disciplinary action against both the responding deputy and his supervisor. The deputy was recommended for remedial training and a loss of two days’ leave, while the supervisor was recommended for a loss of three days’ leave and additional training on supervisory responsibilities.
Legislative Update: The Board also reviewed potential legislative changes affecting police accountability. A bill proposing to grant Police Accountability Boards subpoena power was discussed. Though it has not advanced, the Board is monitoring the situation, as it could re-emerge in future legislative sessions. The discussion also touched on recent changes to juvenile justice laws, with the Board expressing interest in the Sheriff’s perspective on these reforms.
End of Year Report and Future Recommendations: The Board discussed the importance of staggered term limits for ACC members to ensure continuity. Additionally, there was consideration of having the same individual chair both the PAB and ACC to streamline communication and operations.
Adjournment: The meeting concluded with plans for the next meeting on August 15, 2024. The session was adjourned unanimously.
Next Steps: The Board will continue monitoring legislative developments, gather feedback from the Sheriff’s Office on juvenile justice changes, and prepare for the next meeting and end-of-year report.
This version includes more detailed information about each case, focusing on the specific incidents, the ACC’s findings, and the outcomes.
