(a) Administrative Charging Committee.
(1) The Administrative Charging Committee shall have the composition, powers, and duties as set forth in Title 3, Subtitle 1 of the Public Safety Article of the State Code.
(2) The Administrative Charging Committee shall:
(i) review the findings of a law enforcement agency’s investigation conducted and forwarded in accordance with § 3-104 the Public Safety Article of State Code;
(ii) make a determination that the police officer who is subject to investigation shall be:
1. administratively charged; or
2. not administratively charged;
(iii) if the police officer is charged, recommend discipline in accordance with the law enforcement agency’s disciplinary matrix established in accordance with § 3-105 of the Public Safety Article of State Code;
(iv) review any body camera footage that may be relevant to the matters covered in the complaint of misconduct;
(v) authorize a police officer called to appear before an Administrative Charging Committee to be accompanied by a representative;
(vi) issue a written opinion that describes in detail its findings, determinations, and recommendations;
(vii) forward the written opinion to the chief of the law enforcement agency, the police officer, and the complainant.
(3) In executing its duties, the Administrative Charging Committee may:
(i) request information or action from the law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation, including requiring additional investigation and the issuance of subpoenas;
(ii) if the police officer is not administratively charged, make a determination that:
1. the allegations against the police officer are unfounded; or
2. the police officer is exonerated; and
(iii) record, in writing, any failure of supervision that caused or contributed to a police officer’s misconduct.
(4) The Administrative Charging Committee shall meet once per month or as needed.
(5) A member of the Administrative Charging Committee shall maintain confidentiality relating to a matter being considered by the Administrative Charging Committee until final disposition of the matter.
(6) The County Executive shall advertise to solicit applications for the appointees to the Administrative Charging Committee at least 30 days prior to any appointment.
(b) Hearing Boards. The Hearing Boards shall have the composition, powers, and duties as set forth in Title 3, Subtitle 1 of the Public Safety Article of the State Code.
(c) Compensation and staff.
(1) Members of any Administrative Charging Committee and Hearing Boards required by State law may be compensated as provided for in the annual budget.
(2) Administrative Charging Committee and Hearing Boards may be assigned additional staff and provided with contractual services as needed and as provided for in the annual budget.
(Bill No. 16-22)