For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 18, 2019
From the Office of Councilmember Hans Riemer
Policing Advisory Commission
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 18, 2019—Councilmember Hans Riemer today introduced Bill 14-19, Police – Policing Advisory Commission – Established, which would create a Policing Advisory Commission and specify its membership and duties. The goal of this legislation is to improve Council oversight of the Montgomery County Police Department and strengthen community trust in, and engagement with, the police. The Commission will advise the Council on policing matters, provide information regarding best practices, and recommend policies, programs, legislation or regulations. Councilmembers Will Jawando, Tom Hucker and Evan Glass are cosponsors of Bill 14-19.
“I know that we have an excellent police department, full of conscientious and highly professional public servants,” Riemer said. “But we are not immune from the challenges that communities are facing all over the country.”
The Policing Advisory Commission would allow for “civilian” participation in police department policy formulation, using data and focusing on best practices, and strengthening the Council’s oversight role to prevent problems from occurring. The Commission would consist of 13 public members, individual residents or representatives of community organizations. Nine members would be appointed by the Council and four members would be appointed by the County Executive. A representative from the police department, either the police chief or the police chief’s designee and a representative of the Fraternal Order of Police will serve as ex-officio members.
“The creation of a Policing Advisory Commission will provide an opportunity for community participation in the review of police department policies and practices,” said Jawando. “This input is a critical component of community-based policing and will help create more transparency and trust between the police and the residents they serve.
“The ability to analyze data, consider best practices from other jurisdictions, make recommendations and monitor progress creates the kind of accountability that will ensure good government for the residents of Montgomery County.”
The Commission would be tasked with producing an annual report by July 1 of each year coverings its functions, activities, accomplishments, plans and objectives.
Learn more about Bill 14-19 at: https://tinyurl.com/Bill1419Intro
# # Release ID: 19-213