The Montgomery County Police Department’s civilian Assistant Police Chief, Carmen Facciolo, has been placed on administrative leave, and county officials decline to say why.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich kicked off a weekly briefing with reporters by addressing the issue.
“Because this is a personnel matter, I’m prohibited by law from providing any further comments on this,” he said, “but the matter is currently being looked into.”
Facciolo was hired less than one year ago, and as a civilian, he had a unique role in the department.
The civilian assistant chief’s role, Elrich said, was intended to provide a different perspective on police policy matters and “to help in community building — building relationships between the police and the community.”
“I’ve had a number of constructive discussions with Carmen over the year,” he said.
Asked how long Facciolo might be out on leave, Elrich said, “I imagine it’s going to take a little while to sort through everything, but I don’t think this is not going to be a long process.”
The news that Facciolo had been suspended was first reported by WJLA-TV.
When a reporter asked about the seriousness of the issue that led to Facciolo being suspended, Elrich again repeated he could not comment on personnel issues.
“If it becomes something other than that, there’ll be other responses, but it’s a personnel matter right now,” Elrich said.
WTOP contacted the Police Department for comment and was told that a statement from police Chief Marcus Jones would likely be issued Wednesday afternoon.
Elrich names picks for Police Accountability board
Also Wednesday, Elrich announced the names of people he’s selected to serve on the newly formed Police Accountability Board.
The county selected residents who understand procedural justice, “and we believe these individuals will bring increased accountability and transparency that will improve our Police Department and public safety in Montgomery County,” Elrich said.
The people nominated to serve on the board are:
- Bishop Paul Walker (nominated as chair)
- Alicia Hudson
- Kenneth Kellner
- George Lluberes
- Rudy Logan
- Katharine Manning
- Alvin McCray
- Thomas Williams Jr.
- Christopher Zatratz
Those picks are now subject to approval by the Montgomery County Council for approval.
Earl Stoddard, Montgomery County’s assistant chief administrative officer, said the panel interviewing candidates looked for people who would be balanced in their views on law enforcement and who would review facts, materials and policies with an open mind.
“We did not want people who were going to rubber-stamp anything,” said Stoddard. He added, “We also did not want individuals who were going to think the police were guilty of doing something, regardless of the circumstances.”
Maryland state law requires jurisdictions to appoint police accountability boards and administrative charging committees. The Montgomery County Council approved local legislation creating the two bodies.
The ACC chair receives an annual salary of $22,000. Four other members receive $16,000.
Members of the PAB will receive an annual salary of $10,000.
Members of each agree to serve a three-year term, and they are limited to serving two complete terms.
Stoddard said the board should be seated by July 1.
