2023 Maryland Statutes
Public Safety
Title 3 - Law Enforcement
Subtitle 1 - Police Accountability and Discipline
Section 3-101 - Definitions

    (a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (b)    “Administratively charged” means that a police officer has been formally accused of misconduct in an administrative proceeding.

    (c)    “Disciplinary matrix” means a written, consistent, progressive, and transparent tool or rubric that provides ranges of disciplinary actions for different types of misconduct.

    (d)    “Exonerated” means that a police officer acted in accordance with the law and agency policy.

    (e)    “Law enforcement agency” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of this title.

    (f)    “Not administratively charged” means that a determination has been made not to administratively charge a police officer in connection with alleged misconduct.

    (g)    “Police misconduct” means a pattern, a practice, or conduct by a police officer or law enforcement agency that includes:

        (1)    depriving persons of rights protected by the constitution or laws of the State or the United States;

        (2)    a violation of a criminal statute; and

        (3)    a violation of law enforcement agency standards and policies.

    (h)    “Police officer” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of this title.

    (i)    “Serious physical injury” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of the Criminal Law Article.

    (j)    “Superior governmental authority” means the governing body that oversees a law enforcement agency.

    (k)    “Unfounded” means that the allegations against a police officer are not supported by fact.