Talbot County, Maryland

01/14/2026

Category: County Manager’s Office

The Talbot County Police Accountability Board (PAB) has released its 2025 Annual Report, outlining the Board’s activities, findings, and oversight efforts. The PAB and the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) were established in accordance with Maryland law as part of a statewide requirement for independent police accountability and oversight. The report was formally submitted to the Talbot County Council and is now available to the public.

The report summarizes the work of both the Police Accountability Board and the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC), including complaint reviews, use-of-force data, and ongoing coordination with Talbot County’s four law enforcement agencies: the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, Easton Police Department, St. Michaels Police Department, and Oxford Police Department.

“This December marked the conclusion of our third year as a fully constituted Police Accountability Board,” said Mitchell S. Ettinger, Chair of the Talbot County Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee. “The members of both the PAB and the ACC are highly motivated to serve the community and the role these bodies play in fostering trust between Talbot County’s law enforcement agencies and the residents they serve. Our meetings with law enforcement continue to be productive, marked by open dialogue, shared data, and strong cooperation.”

During 2025, the ACC issued decisions in 15 cases. Most resulted in exoneration or no action, with two cases leading to administrative charges that were resolved when the involved officers accepted the ACC’s recommended disposition. The PAB was asked to participate in two trial boards convened in other jurisdictions; however, no trial boards were conducted for Talbot.

The report also highlights key topics discussed with law enforcement agencies, including scam prevention efforts targeting older residents, mental health-related calls for service, and community concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.

In addition to its review of responsibilities, the PAB emphasized its role as a liaison between the County Council, law enforcement agencies, and the public. The Board encouraged increased public awareness of its mission and statutory responsibilities as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability.

The full 2025 Police Accountability Board Annual Report is available on the Talbot County website at talbotcountymd.gov/pab.

polce accountability board administrative charging committee