Wicomico Co. Council revisits police accountability review board plans

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – Wicomico County Council revisited the creation and implementation of a police accountability review board. They are required to do so by a state law passed in the most recent Maryland General Assembly session.

Tuesday, Council members weighed possible amendments to Wicomico County’s proposed legislation. Council members floated the possibility of opening a board member application portal online, and making the application process more transparent.

Other possible amendments included altering the requirements for the board chair, and what training for board members will look like. Council President John Cannon says one constituent suggested that board members undergo virtual firearm simulator training. The training would put would-be board members into high-stress virtual situations similar to what law enforcement officers deal with on a daily basis.

Cannon says many amendments made to the bill both before and after it passes, are likely. “What we’re really looking at is that the timeline is so [fast], that it’s really hard to vet carefully what may or may not need to be changed. That’s why we recognize it’s going to have to be done in the future, as well,” said Cannon.

Council members also discussed the importance of providing the public a chance to make their opinions known in the near future. That opportunity would come in the form of a public hearing. Council mentioned that constituents could submit their thoughts and opinions through an online portal.

Questions also rose from the issue of how much the creation and implementation of a police accountability would cost. Council members pointed out that the details of if anyone on such a board would be paid. They also mentioned the cost of a sitting fee from any judges involved.

Until those questions can be answered, Council says they could look to other counties navigating the same issues. “I think the law departments already have done that to a certain degree. So, it’s out there and in the open to try and reevaluate it,” said Cannon.

The deadline for Wicomico County to have its law enforcement review board in place is July 1st, 2022.