SELECTION PROCESS OF THE ST. MARY'S CO. POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGING COMMITTEE DEEMED TOP SECRET BY THE COUNTY

3

3CATSAILOR

Well-Known Member
When I did the Maryland version of a FOIA to the St. Mary's County government to determine who would be on their Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee, I was told they could not tell me, even after a legal filing of the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). They said I can go to Court to the AG and see if they would say it can be released. This is the very County that says their government will be "transparent" in everything they do. I was curious how it was done. Now, that the information is classsified as top secret by the County, it makes me wonder even more what are they hiding and why? I still may go to the Maryland AG and force it. But, it may not be worth my time and expense. I am sure they will tie it up in Court and go around in circles since they are willfully, deliberately and intentionally hiding it. It is interesting that this County does have something that it never wants the citizens to see. If it was done HONESTLY and on the up and up, WHY HIDE IT???
 
Ken King

Ken King

A little rusty but not crusty
PREMO Member
It's an appointment process. The County Commissioners pick who they want from those that apply and per the resolution authorizing this there shall be one member from each commissioner district (with at least 5 members and up to 9). Applicants are then vetted, which at a minimum, "includes comprehensive criminal background checks and other appropriate background research that shall determine to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of St. Mary's County each applicant's fit moral character, freedom from bias, and ability to act and make objective decisions free of outside influence."

 
Gilligan

Gilligan

#*! boat!
PREMO Member
Is there also a Police Advisory Board?...or just that Accountability Board? I know my aunt sits on one of those...just don't know the exact name of it.
 
3

3CATSAILOR

Well-Known Member
TPD said:
I thought all SMC boards and committees were public information.
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Yeah, so did I. Until you ask about the simple question I had. It sure sounds like they are covering something up. I don't know why. At least not yet.
 
3

3CATSAILOR

Well-Known Member
Ken King said:
It's an appointment process. The County Commissioners pick who they want from those that apply and per the resolution authorizing this there shall be one member from each commissioner district (with at least 5 members and up to 9). Applicants are then vetted, which at a minimum, "includes comprehensive criminal background checks and other appropriate background research that shall determine to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of St. Mary's County each applicant's fit moral character, freedom from bias, and ability to act and make objective decisions free of outside influence."

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[QUOTE="Ken King, post: 6422020, member: 381"] [/QUOTE]
 
3

3CATSAILOR

Well-Known Member
Ken King said:
It looks like there is only the Accountability Board. From this link - https://www.stmarysmd.com/boards/ you can check the drop down menu.Independent from the Police Accountability
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They have "9" members which was ordered by the Co. Commissioners. Years prior to the formation of the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee, there was a Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) of the Sheriff's Office. The CAB does excellent work for the Sheriff's Office. They have nothing to do with the Police Accountability Board or the Charging Committee. I am certain the Sheriff's Office would be more than happy to tell anyone who is on the CAB. However, the County Commissioners are stone silent about the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee. And then they even go as far as DENYING a public request. From my experience, this usually indicates someone is trying to hide something. But, why? That would be the interesting question of the day.
 
3

3CATSAILOR

Well-Known Member
They have both. But, for some reason their drop down on their web site fails to mention the other Board. That "along with" the failure of the County Commissioners to to be transparent about how the folks on the Police Accountablity Board and the Charging Committee were selected remains a mystery.
 
PrchJrkr

PrchJrkr

Long Haired Country Boy
Ad Free Experience
Patron
3CATSAILOR said:
They have "9" members which was ordered by the Co. Commissioners. Years prior to the formation of the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee, there was a Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) of the Sheriff's Office. The CAB does excellent work for the Sheriff's Office. They have nothing to do with the Police Accountability Board or the Charging Committee. I am certain the Sheriff's Office would be more than happy to tell anyone who is on the CAB. However, the County Commissioners are stone silent about the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee. And then they even go as far as DENYING a public request. From my experience, this usually indicates someone is trying to hide something. But, why? That would be the interesting question of the day.
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It would be nice if someone had the time and stamina to follow up on this and see what the big secret is.
 
3

3CATSAILOR

Well-Known Member
PrchJrkr said:
It would be nice if someone had the time and stamina to follow up on this and see what the big secret is.
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Yeah, money to hire a lawyer too since a Court Order will be needed. I am thinking about calling someone I know with WJLA TV 7 and see if they are interested.
 
PrchJrkr

PrchJrkr

Long Haired Country Boy
Ad Free Experience
Patron
3CATSAILOR said:
Yeah, money to hire a lawyer too since a Court Order will be needed. I am thinking about calling someone I know with WJLA TV 7 and see if they are interested.
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If not, maybe get enough people interested to contribute to a GoFundMe type deal, but one with better values.
 
Gilligan

Gilligan

#*! boat!
PREMO Member
3CATSAILOR said:
They have "9" members which was ordered by the Co. Commissioners. Years prior to the formation of the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee, there was a Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) of the Sheriff's Office. The CAB does excellent work for the Sheriff's Office. They have nothing to do with the Police Accountability Board or the Charging Committee. I am certain the Sheriff's Office would be more than happy to tell anyone who is on the CAB. However, the County Commissioners are stone silent about the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee. And then they even go as far as DENYING a public request. From my experience, this usually indicates someone is trying to hide something. But, why? That would be the interesting question of the day.
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ahh..its the CAB my aunt has long been a member of.
 
Gilligan

Gilligan

#*! boat!
PREMO Member
3CATSAILOR said:
However, the County Commissioners are stone silent about the Police Accountability Board and the Charging Committee. And then they even go as far as DENYING a public request. From my experience, this usually indicates someone is trying to hide something. But, why? That would be the interesting question of the day.
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I'm sure there must be at least one commissioner that would be willing to look in to this further....
 
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