Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement Resources and Support

Resources

Where to File a Complaint in Person

• If you feel that your rights have been violated or that you were treated unjustly by an officer of a law enforcement agency, you should file a complaint.
• It is important that you file your complaint as soon as possible so that the events are still fresh in your mind.

Other Resources

Enabling Legislation: HB670, COMAR, and City Council Bill 22-0234

Maryland Legal Aid - Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) provides life-changing civil legal assistance to eligible residents in every part of the State.

Baltimore City State's Attorney Public Trust and Police Integrity Unit - The primary function of the PTPIU is to independently investigate complaints of unnecessary or excessive force or any other act that may be corrupt or illegal.

The National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement - NACOLE is a non-profit organization that works to enhance accountability and transparency in policing and build community trust through civilian oversight.

Public Justice Center - Founded in 1985, the Public Justice Center uses legal tools to challenge poverty and racial inequity in Maryland and beyond.

NAACP Baltimore City - The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

ACLU MD - ACLU of Maryland exists to empower Marylanders to exercise their rights so that the law values and uplifts their humanity.

Police Brutality Center - The Police Brutality Center exists to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of police brutality, racial profiling, and excessive force nationwide. 

The Civilian Review Board (1999 - 2025)

Please Note: The legislation enabling the Baltimore City Civilian Review Board sunset on 1/1/2025 at 12:00 AM. The Baltimore City Civilian Review Board is no longer accepting cases for review.

Overview

The Civilian Review Board of Baltimore City was an independent agency in the city through which members of the public could issue a complaint against officers of various law enforcement units. The Civilian Review Board took complaints that alleged:

• excessive force
• abusive language
• harassment
• false arrest
• false imprisonment 

The law enforcement units that the Civilian Review Board handled complaints for were:

• the Baltimore City Police Department
• the Baltimore City School Police
• the Baltimore City Sheriff's Office
• the Baltimore Environmental Police
• the Police Force of the Baltimore City Community College
• Police Force of Morgan State

The Civilian Review Board also reviewed Police Department Procedures and made recommendations to the Commissioner.

Civilian Review Board Bylaws

CRB Bylaws Approved 2023.3.22.pdf

Membership

Board membership was composed of a member of the public from each of the nine police districts in Baltimore City.  Members of the Board were selected by the Mayor and subject to the advice and consent of the City Council.  Also on the Commission as nonvoting members, were:

• one representative of the Fraternal Order of Police
• one representative of the Vanguard Justice Society
• the Baltimore City Police Commissioner or the Commissioner's designee
• one representative of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU)
• one representative of the Baltimore City National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).