# Public Safety (GPS)

## Title 3. Law Enforcement

### Subtitle 1. Police Accountability and Discipline

#### Section 3-101

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 3-201 of this title.

(i) "Serious physical injury" has the meaning stated in Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Pub. Safety (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)