In this Division, "Coordinating Council" means the Prince George's County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The purpose of the Coordinating Council is to address issues affecting the administration of criminal justice in Prince George's County by identifying and solving any potential systemic problems and improving the quality of the criminal justice system. Consistent with its reporting obligations under Section 7-605, the authority of the Coordinating Council is advisory only.

There is a Prince George's County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. The Coordinating Council shall consist of the following twenty-six (26) voting members: The County Executive of Prince George's County; The Chair of the Prince George's County Council; The Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County; The Administrative Judge for District 5 of the District Court of Maryland; The Criminal Coordinating Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County; The Circuit Court Judge presiding over Juvenile Court matters; The Circuit Court Judge presiding over Adult Drug Court; The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County; The State's Attorney for Prince George's County; The Sheriff of Prince George's County; One (1) Member of the County Senate Delegation designated by the Chairman of the County Senate Delegation; One (1) Member of the County House Delegation designated by the Chairman of the County House Delegation; The Prince George's County District Public Defender; The Superintendent of the Maryland State Police; The Prince George's County Director of Homeland Security; The Director of the Prince George's County Department of Corrections; The Chief of the Prince George's County Police Department; The Fire Chief of Prince George's County; The President of the Police Chiefs' Association of Prince George's County, Inc.; The Prince George's County Health Officer; The Regional Director of the Division of Parole and Probation; The Area Director, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services; The Administrative Clerk for District 5 of the District Court of Maryland; The Chair of the Prince George's County Bar Association Criminal Law Committee; The Criminal Coordinating Judge for the 5th District Court; and The Commander of the Maryland-National Capital Park Police. Presiding Officer. The Chair of the Coordinating Council is the Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County, or his/her designee. The Co-Vice Chairs are the County Executive and the Administrative Judge for District 5 of the District Court of Maryland or their designees. Meetings and Quorum. The Coordinating Council shall meet at least quarterly each year. For a voting session of the Coordinating Council, a quorum is a majority of voting members. Compensation and Limitation on Membership. A member of the Coordinating Council may not receive compensation for duties performed as a member of the Coordinating Council. A member who holds membership by virtue of an elected or appointed position holds membership on this Coordinating Council only during that member's term of office. Support Staff. The Chief Administrative Officer of the County and the Court Administrator of the Circuit Court shall designate support staff to the Coordinating Council from existing personnel, and appropriations. Support staff shall be ex-officio members of the Coordinating Council.

The Coordinating Council shall: Provide a forum to facilitate communication among the Courts, public safety agencies and health agencies in Prince George's County. Evaluate the existing organization and adequacy of law enforcement and administration of justice in this County. Recommend a 3-year strategic plan for the long-range development of the County's Criminal Justice System that provides solutions for identified problem areas and achieves effective coordination of the public safety activities in the County. The Plan shall: Evaluate and recommend innovative ways to facilitate and expedite the management of criminal cases in Prince George's County; Evaluate and recommend information technology for the Courts, public safety agencies and health agencies in Prince George's County; and Evaluate and recommend other systemic changes in the Prince George's County Criminal Justice System. Review programs proposed by law enforcement, public safety agencies and health agencies for: Compatibility with the 3-year strategic plan; Compatibility with the County's approved operating budget; and Impact on the other public safety agencies, health agencies and the Courts. Recommend programs that will educate the community about law enforcement, crime prevention, and other criminal justice issues and will promote respect for the law, and encourage community involvement in law enforcement and other appropriate public safety agencies, health agencies and the Courts. Facilitate coordination of the programs and activities among the County law enforcement, public safety agencies, health agencies and the Courts. Facilitate coordination of County law enforcement, public safety agencies, health agencies and the Courts with those of the State of Maryland and neighboring State and local governments. Promote efficient processing of criminal cases at every stage from arrest to completion of trial and correctional programs. Carry out other activities to achieve fair and effective law enforcement, crime prevention, and justice.

The agencies of the State and County government and the Courts who are members of the Coordinating Council shall provide the Coordinating Council any information and assistance, not inconsistent with law, that the Coordinating Council requests.

The Coordinating Council shall make semi-annual reports and recommendations to the County Executive, the County Council, and the Judiciary. The County Executive, the County Council, and the Judiciary may refer matters to the Coordinating Council and the Council shall file a written report with the requesting entity.