For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 10, 2019
From the Office of Councilmember Will Jawando
Rockville, Md., July 9, 2019—Councilmember Will Jawando (At Large) made the following statement following news that Montgomery County Police Officer Kevin Moris had been charged by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
Councilmember Jawando’s full statement is below:
“We learned today that the officer involved in the Aspen Hill McDonalds’s incident brought to light late last week after a cell phone video was posted on social media has been charged with second-degree assault and misconduct. It is my understanding that Officer Moris has been suspended pending the criminal investigation.
“I think it is appropriate that charges were brought and believe this type of behavior cannot be tolerated. I am glad the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) took the step to request the State’s Attorney review the video and open an internal investigation. While this was caught on video by a bystander, I have also heard from individuals who have had previous interactions with this officer and had reported their concerns to MCPD prior to the incident last week and as early as January 2018.
“While this was an individual officer that acted inappropriately, I think that we need to discuss the fact that the rest of the officers present did not stop this behavior. In addition, if concerns had been brought about this specific officer over time, why did the department allow this officer to continue to interact with our residents? These are some questions that I think should be answered.
“It was horrifying to watch the actions of the officer in the video. With the pending charges, I hope this will send a message that no one is above the law. It is not appropriate for any officer to use excessive force when interacting with an individual, especially if that individual is restrained in handcuffs. I support holding officers accountable for any misdeeds and hope this will be the trend moving forward - swift and immediate investigation and action taken to address such an issue.
“Our community counts on us as elected officials and law enforcement to protect them and protect their rights. The community rightfully expects to trust us to do the right thing by them. That was the whole point of the LETT Act and with the current introduction of Bill 14-19, the Police Advisory Commission. We live in a great County, but we are not immune to the issues that plague our nation, as evidenced by the events of the last several months. However, if we focus on community policing and push for accountability and promote community trust, our diverse County will be even better and stronger as we move forward.”
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Release ID: 19-244