October 24th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
The new Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission held its first meeting earlier this month and elected Colonel William Pallozzi, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, as its Chairman and Baltimore City Police Commissioner Kevin Davis as it’s Vice-Chairman.
The 24-member commission was created as a result of legislation passed during last year’s General Assembly to help enhance relations between communities and law enforcement.
“I am honored to serve the citizens of Maryland and the dedicated law enforcement officers of our state in this capacity,” Colonel Pallozzi said. “I look forward to working with the members of the Commission as we seek to enhance standards and policies of policing in Maryland that will result in a safer state, better trained and equipped police officers, and an increased understanding of, accountability to, and support for, the citizens we serve.”
"As our profession changes to better reflect the values society shares regarding public safety, it's an honor to be selected vice-chair of the inaugural commission," said Commissioner Davis. "I have no doubt Maryland will establish best policing practices that will be emulated across our nation."
The new commission has an expanded membership including:
· 2 citizen members
· 4 non-voting members of the General Assembly
· An expert in Mental Health
· An expert in Police Policy
· An expert in Community Policing
· Geographic representatives from law enforcement agencies across the State
The new Commission assumes all of the roles and responsibilities of the Police Training Commission it replaced. The new legislation also created additional responsibilities for the commission and for law enforcement agencies. Among these new mandates are:
· Posting of agency policies and collective bargaining agreements
· Allowing public attendance at administrative disciplinary hearings
· Annual reporting of agency Community Policing Plans
· Use of force and de-escalation training
· Modernization of recruiting practices
The Commission is responsible for setting minimum selection and training standards for the approximately 17,000 certified police officers working in 159 law enforcement agencies in Maryland.
The panel is supported by the staff of the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions, an agency of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. It is in the process of selecting an Executive Director and working with staff on implementing the new requirements of the legislature.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 2017.
The members of the commission are:
Colonel William M. Pallozzi
Superintendent, Department of State Police
Kevin Davis, Commissioner
Baltimore Police Department
Chief David Morris
President, Maryland Chiefs of Police Association
Sheriff Timothy Cameron
President, Maryland Sheriffs’ Association
Gordon B. Johnson
Special Agent in Charge
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Vince Canales
President, State Fraternal Order of Police
Chief Charles H. Hinnant
Chairman, Maryland Municipal League
Police Executive Association
Rodney Burrell, President
Maryland Law Enforcement Officers, Inc.
Represented by: Gwendolyn Smith
Brian E. Frosh, Attorney General
Represented by: Stuart M. Nathan, Principal Counsel
Chief David Morris
President, Police Chiefs Association of
Prince George’s County
Represented by: Chief Michael Wynnyk
Wes Adams, Anne Arundel Co.
Maryland State’s Attorneys Association
Sheriff Joseph Gamble, Talbot Co. Sheriff’s Office
Wor-Wic PAC – Criminal Justice
3 Regional Appointed Members
Sheriff Troy D. Berry
Charles Co. Sheriff’s Office
Sgt. Allison M. Ehart
Howard County Police Department
Chief Barbara L. Duncan
Salisbury Police Department
Individual with Expertise in Community Policing
Captain W. Michael Crabbs
Harford Co. Sheriff’s Office
Individual with Expertise in Policing Standards
Miguel Dennis
Annapolis Police Department
Individual with Expertise in Mental Health
Dr. Michael B. Finegan
Salisbury, Maryland
2 Citizens of the State without Relationships to Law Enforcement
Matthew G. Alonsozana
Elkridge, Maryland
Marcus E. Pollock
Baltimore, Maryland
2 Members – House of Delegates (Advisory Only)
Delegate Curt Anderson
Delegate Michael A. Jackson
2 Members – State Senate (Advisory Only)
Senator Michael Hough
Senator Victor Ramirez
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