Prince George’s County’s top prosecutor opened a dialogue with residents of the Maryland county Tuesday so residents could learn about the court system and how prosecutors pursue charges against police officers.
The Community in the Courthouse event also served as an overall opportunity for residents to better understand how cases involving officers affect their rights.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy spoke to residents along with Renee Joy, chief of the Public Integrity Unit.
Joy explained how they determine misconduct in office and the theory of malfeasance, or when an officer fails to do something that is required.
Craig Dickerson, a retired officer who specializes in use of force, shared his perspective from decades of experience and how he has helped the courts when it comes to specific cases. He broke down what use of force involves and how officers are trained to use weapons.
Braveboy said it’s the community that makes the pursuit of these cases possible.
“You give allowances for those laws to exist, so it’s really important that, as we look at doing our jobs, that we do it with full transparency,” she said.
Braveboy said, considering the climate of the country, there is now an opportunity for meaningful change within the justice system.
“As bills are heard in Annapolis in January, there will be a lot of opportunity for community input and dialogue,” she said.
