MoCo Cops Now Must Intervene When Colleagues Use Excessive Force

ROCKVILLE, MD — Officials have enacted a new policy requiring Montgomery County police officers to intervene when they see fellow officers use excessive force.

The Use of Force Intervention Policy, which went into effect on Thursday, "states that it shall be the duty of every officer present at any scene where physical force is being applied to either stop, or attempt to stop, another officer when force is being inappropriately applied or is no longer required," according to officials.

Both the county police department and the Fraternal Order of Police agreed to the policy.

In a press release Tuesday, County Executive Marc Elrich called the policy an "important step toward reassuring the community that all police officers understand their role and responsibility."

"Over the past few years I have watched incidents with questionable behavior by one police officer while other officers have not intervened. This has been an issue across the nation as highlighted by the death of George Floyd and others," said Elrich. "This agreement is a significant step to clarify the role of any and all officers on the scene. I believe that it is an important step toward reassuring the community that all police officers understand their role and responsibility."

Police Chief Marcus Jones, who worked with the police union to negotiate the policy, said it is important for all residents to feel safe around law enforcement.

"People need to believe that we are here to protect and serve everyone, no matter who they are or where they live," Jones said. "This change is one important step, but we have a lot more work to do."

This week, the county council introduced a similar use-of-force policy. If passed, Expedited Bill 27-20 would:

• Prohibit an officer from using deadly force, neck or carotid restraints
  • Except when necessary (imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury)
• Ban an officer from striking or restraining an individual
• Require an officer police to take reasonable action to intervene if a member uses excessive force, violates the use-of-force policy, or commits a crime
• Protect an officer from retaliation or discipline for taking reasonable action to intervene