How The Maryland Public Information Act Can Help In A Misconduct Case

The Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) gives citizens the right to access government records, including many types of police documents and body camera footage. For victims of police misconduct, understanding how to use the MPIA can be a powerful tool in building a case.

When you believe your rights have been violated by law enforcement, one of the first steps toward justice is gathering evidence. Connect with a Baltimore police misconduct lawyer to learn more.

How to Obtain Police Records in Maryland

The MPIA is Maryland’s version of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It allows members of the public to request access to government records, including those held by law enforcement agencies. These records can include incident reports, internal affairs files, body-worn camera footage, and complaint histories, depending on the circumstances.

The purpose of the MPIA is to promote transparency in government and help the public hold institutions accountable. For someone pursuing a police misconduct or constitutional tort claim, these records can serve as crucial evidence in proving that excessive force, unlawful arrest, or civil rights violations occurred.

To begin, you must submit a written MPIA request to the agency that holds the records. For example, if the incident occurred in Baltimore, the request would go to the Baltimore Police Department’s MPIA unit. Your request should be as specific as possible.

Once submitted, the agency generally has 30 days to respond. They may:

• Provide the requested records,
• Deny the request (in whole or in part), or
• Ask for an extension if more time is needed to gather the materials.

If the agency denies your request, they must explain why. You have the right to appeal the denial, and in some cases, an attorney can help challenge the decision through administrative or court action.

Using Body Camera Footage and Other Evidence

Body-worn camera footage can be among the most persuasive forms of evidence in a misconduct case. It may show what actually happened during an arrest, traffic stop, or police encounter. Under Maryland law, much of this footage is now accessible through MPIA requests, particularly when the footage involves officer use of force or complaints of misconduct.

Other valuable records include internal affairs reports, disciplinary histories, and communications between officers and supervisors. Yet despite the MPIA’s goal of transparency, there are challenges. Agencies sometimes delay responses, heavily redact documents, or claim exemptions based on ongoing investigations or privacy concerns.

In short, while the MPIA empowers the public to access critical information, navigating the process can be complex. A Baltimore police misconduct lawyer can help draft effective requests, appeal denials, and use obtained records strategically in building a case.

Do you need legal guidance? If you suspect you’ve been mistreated by law enforcement, don’t let bureaucracy stand in your way. With support from the skilled legal team at Iamele & Iamele, LLP and use of the Maryland Public Information Act, you can uncover the truth and take meaningful steps toward accountability and justice. When you are ready to get started, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.