Internal Affairs Division

The Internal Affairs Division is committed to upholding the principles of fairness, impartiality, and timeliness in conducting investigations into allegations of misconduct against the police department’s officers and professional staff. We assure residents and employees with utmost dedication that matters of concern will be addressed appropriately and in accordance with established standards.

To provide feedback on the conduct of our officers or professional staff, we invite you to click on the link below to learn more about submitting a compliment or complaint. Your cooperation will assist us in our efforts to maintain a high level of professionalism and accountability in all aspects of our operations.

• Submit a Compliment involving an MCPD employee
• File a complaint involving an MCPD employee

Note: Please note that filing an internal affairs complaint against a police officer does not impact criminal or civil charges brought against the said person by the police. It is important to understand that only the courts and the State Attorney’s Office have the authority to resolve such legal matters. Therefore, the filing of an internal affairs complaint should be viewed as a separate process from any criminal or civil proceedings that may be ongoing.

2021-2023 Three-Year Comparison of Internal Affairs Division (IAD) Statistical Data
Three-year comparison chart

Administrative Hearing Board

Internal investigations into allegations of police officer misconduct that can lead to disciplinary action, demotion, or dismissal must be conducted by state law. Sections 3-101 through 3-112 of the Public Safety Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. Internal discipline is separate from the punishment that a police officer may face due to a criminal charge.

When an Internal Affairs investigation finds that an officer has engaged in misconduct by violating a law or an MCPD rule, policy, or procedure, that officer is subject to discipline. The involved employee is served with an administrative statement of charges, which outlines each charge, the specification for each charge, and the disciplinary action being imposed by the Chief of Police for each charge. The employee may accept the recommended disciplinary action or appeal the decision of the Chief of Police. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) permits officers to appeal discipline issued by the Chief of Police via a hearing board process. Civilian disciplinary actions are appealed through procedures established via collective bargaining and the Office of Human Resources (OHR).

A police officer can request to be heard before an Administrative Trial Board if they dispute the findings of the IAD investigation and/or the recommended discipline imposed by the Chief of Police. In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article, Section 3-107 (e)(1)(ii), “the [Administrative] hearing shall be open to the public, unless the Chief finds a hearing must be closed for a good cause, including protecting a confidential informant, an undercover officer, or a child witness.” If a hearing board is scheduled, information regarding the date and time will be posted on the following IAD website:

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/chief/iad/hearingboardschedule.html

It should be noted that officers have the right to settle their case prior to the start of any hearing board. Therefore, please contact the Internal Affairs Division at 240-773-6000 or check the website the morning of a scheduled hearing board to confirm that the scheduled hearing is still taking place. All visitors must pass through a security screening process upon entry to the building.

Captain Michael Pratt, Director
Contact Information for Internal Affairs Division:
Phone: 240-773-6000
Email: [email protected]
Location: Public Safety Headquarters
100 Edison Park Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.