News Summary

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough has been added to a Brady Report, raising concerns about his credibility alongside 90 other law enforcement officers. This report, necessary for defense attorneys, categorized McCullough as ‘IADISCLOSE’. The implications for his ability to testify in court are significant, especially as Baltimore City State’s Attorney introduced a ‘Do Not Call’ list for unreliable officers. Transparency and accountability in law enforcement are being emphasized following recent legal rulings.

Baltimore

Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough has been added to a Brady Report due to concerns regarding his credibility, joining approximately 90 other law enforcement officers with similar issues. This report is crucial as it must be disclosed to defense attorneys before any of these officers can serve as witnesses in county court proceedings.

The two-page document was compiled by the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office and lists officers alphabetically by name, along with badge numbers and current statuses. Chief McCullough’s designation is categorized as IADISCLOSE, which is the most prevalent status among the officers included in the report, although the specific reasons for his listing remain unclear.

This revelation surfaced following a Public Information Act request made by MuckRock, which indicated that the State’s Attorney’s Office does not keep records of misconduct allegations or violations unless these have resulted in prosecutions against the officers listed. Additionally, State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger declined to provide further insights regarding the inclusion of McCullough in the report.

Implications for the Judicial Process

In light of this report, Chief McCullough’s ability to testify in court may be impacted, as prosecutorial teams are required to notify defense attorneys about credibility concerns prior to any officer taking the stand. The Baltimore County police department has not responded to inquiries about the report or its implications for Chief McCullough or other officers listed.

In a separate but related development, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates unveiled a “Do Not Call” list that contains the names of unreliable officers who are also being scrutinized for misconduct. This list initiates a systematic approach to ensuring transparency regarding police officers with credibility issues and signals a commitment to maintaining integrity within the judicial system. Officers on the Do Not Call list are barred from testifying in court, emphasizing the intention to exclude those deemed untrustworthy from judicial proceedings.

Criteria for Inclusion on Do Not Call Lists

The process for being added to these lists extends beyond criminal activity; officers can find themselves on the list for repeated issues that impact their credibility. Criteria for such inclusion include any convictions for crimes that compromise their integrity, instances of perjury, making false statements, or violating constitutional rights. Officers do have the opportunity to appeal their placement on these lists to contest their reliability.

Legal Framework and Transparency Initiatives

Recent rulings from the Maryland Court of Special Appeals have clarified that the Do Not Call lists are subject to public records laws, reinforcing the necessity for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The aim of these initiatives is not only to enhance the reliability of testimonies given in court but also to foster trust in the justice system.

The ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement credibility has wider implications for the community, as transparency in policing practices becomes increasingly critical in ensuring public confidence and maintaining the rule of law. The actions being taken by the Baltimore City and County officials underscore a significant movement toward greater accountability within the law enforcement sector.

As the situation evolves, the implications for Chief McCullough and his colleagues will likely become clearer. The collaboration among the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, and community stakeholders continues to be essential in addressing these credibility concerns and upholding the standards of public service.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Baltimore
• Wikipedia: Brady List
• Baltimore Sun
• Google Search: Baltimore credibility officers
• The Real News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
• WMAR 2 News
• Google News: Baltimore police credibility

Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.