For Immediate Release: Monday, May 6, 2019
From the Office of Councilmember Will Jawando
LETT Act would provide independence and accountability in police-
involved death investigations
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 3, 2019—On Tuesday, May 7 at noon, Councilmember Will Jawando will hold a press conference to discuss the Montgomery County Council’s anticipated vote on Bill 1-19, Police Officer Involved Death - Independent Investigation, also known as the Law Enforcement Trust and Transparency (LETT) Act. The goal of the legislation is to ensure that when a police officer is involved in the death of an individual, investigations into that officer’s conduct are independent, impartial and transparent. The LETT Act serves to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and help improve the public’s trust in law enforcement. The Council is scheduled to vote on the LETT Act at 10 a.m. at its Tuesday, May 7 meeting.
Councilmember Jawando will be joined by fellow Councilmembers for the press conference, which will be held on the third floor of the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville.
Under the LETT Act, when an officer is involved in the death of an individual, investigators from a separate jurisdiction will open an inquiry reviewing the circumstances of the case. The LETT Act requires those investigators to submit a written report of their findings to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney or their designee, who will review the report and determine whether to file criminal charges. If the decision is against filing charges, the LETT Act requires that the independent report be released to the public.
Councilmember Jawando is the lead sponsor of the LETT Act. All other Councilmembers are cosponsors. Illinois, Utah and Wisconsin have enacted similar laws.
The Council staff report, which includes the Public Safety Committee’s and Council staff’s recommendations and the full text of the bill, can be found here. Councilmember Jawando’s remarks upon the introduction of the LETT Act can be viewed here.
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Release ID: 19-154