What is the Independent Investigations Division?
The IID’s goal is to carry out fair, complete, and timely investigations into all cases involving deaths caused by police officers within Maryland. The Independent Investigations Division (IID) was created in 2021 by the Maryland General Assembly as part of a group of new laws focused on police reform.
Part of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the IID investigates and if appropriate prosecutes police-involved fatalities and incidents that cause serious injury likely to result in the death of an individual.
What makes the IID independent?
The IID partners with the Maryland State Police (“MSP”), which gives it access to expert investigators and teams like the MSP Forensic Sciences Division, Crime Scene Section, Crash Team and Homicide Unit. This means the IID does not need to rely on local police departments for help.
The IID operates separately from local police departments and State’s Attorney’s Offices. Before the IID, officers might investigate others in their own department, and local prosecutors—who often worked closely with the police—would decide whether to file charges. The IID’s independence allows for fair, complete, and transparent investigations that the public can trust.
What types of incidents does the IID investigate?
The IID investigates incidents where someone dies or is seriously hurt and likely to die due to an encounter with law enforcement. These incidents may include:
- Shootings
- In-Custody Deaths
- Fatal Collisions
- Use of Force
The IID also investigates whether police officers failed to act in a way that might have prevented a death, including if an officer:
- Failed to intervene when required by law
- Gave orders or approved another officer’s conduct that contributed to the incident
- Took actions that may have caused or added to the harm
How long does an IID investigation take?
There is no set time for completing an investigation. The IID aims to be transparent and timely, but these cases can take months to investigate properly. The time depends on things like whether witnesses are willing to talk, how long it takes to test evidence, and the completion of an autopsy.
What happens after an IID investigation is complete?
After an investigation, the Attorney General reviews the evidence. If there is enough proof to support a conviction in court, the IID will file criminal charges.
If there is not enough evidence, or if the officer’s actions were legally justified, the IID will not file charges. In those cases, the IID will publish a public report within 30 days that explains what happened and why charges were not filed. Any private or sensitive information will be removed from the report before it is released.
Can the IID bring criminal charges?
Yes. Starting October 1, 2023, the Maryland Legislature gave the IID full authority to bring criminal charges against police officers in cases involving death or likely death.
What information does the IID release prior to the charging decision?
To stay transparent, the IID usually releases the names of the deceased person and the involved officer(s) within two business days. This may take longer if an officer is injured, if there is a safety risk, or if the family of the deceased has not been notified.
The IID also aims to release body camera or dashboard camera footage within 20 business days. However, the video release may be delayed, for example if:
- Investigators need to finish interviews
- Civilian witnesses need to be protected
- The family of the deceased person needs time to view the video
In some cases, video may be released earlier if there is strong public interest. The IID will not release private video recordings.
Contact the IID
General and victim/witness inquiries: 410-576-7070,
[email protected]e.md.us
Media inquiries:
[email protected]e.md.us