Council Members Hans Riemer and Craig Rice to introduce Police Accountability Act to change disciplinary procedures and management authority. 

The legislation is expected to be before the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday.

Bethesda Beat reports on the proposed legislation and a letter the sponsors have written to their colleagues about it:

It would also ensure that Police Chief Marcus Jones has the employer right to issue a management decision, such as the use of body cameras, without bargaining with the police union, the Fraternal Order of Police.

…

“Through state law (Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights, or LEOBR) and the collective bargaining agreement with the county, we have a slow, uncertain, and complex process to discipline officers for violations of departmental policies,” they wrote. “This must change because we should have a department where the chief’s ability to set a culture and hold officers accountable for meeting high expectations is strong.”

The article notes that in addition to this bill which is focused on disciplinary and management issues the County Council is considering legislation to address use of force.

For more information:

Council members want to change police disciplinary process (Bethesda Beat)