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On Friday, July 15, US Attorney Erek Barron and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced that they have opened a civil pattern or practice investigation into the department under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Title VII prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion, according to the DOJ.
The investigation will assess whether the Maryland State Police Department has engaged in racially discriminatory hiring and promotion practices.
“This office strives to protect the civil rights of all Marylanders, including the rights of our sworn law enforcement officers,”. Barron stated. “This investigation also furthers our mission to restore trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve by ensuring fair employment practices by police departments.”
Under Title VII, the Justice Department has the authority to "initiate investigations against state and local government employers where it has reason to believe that a ‘pattern or practice’ of employment discrimination exists,” according to federal officials.
It is alleged that “the department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter.”
Investigators noted that Gov. Larry Hogan and Maryland State Police Superintendent, Col. Woodrow W. Jones III have been advised of the investigation and pledged to cooperate with the investigation.
“Discrimination has no place in any workplace, and especially in law enforcement agencies,” Clarke added. “Our investigation will determine whether the Maryland Department of State Police has created racially discriminatory barriers for Black people seeking job opportunities and promotions and, if so, identify the reforms necessary to ensure equal employment opportunities.
“All communities deserve law enforcement agencies that are built upon principles of fairness and equity.”
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