Maryland has approved a $2.75 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into discriminatory hiring practices affecting Black and female applicants to the Maryland State Police. The settlement was approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works and will include changes to the ways applicants are tested.
Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat who chairs the three-member board, stated that the federal investigation began in 2022 before he took office last year and that his administration pledged full cooperation from the start. The state police have faced other discrimination allegations in recent years, with officers previously suing the Maryland State Police for discrimination over promotions and disciplinary actions.
In the current case, the Justice Department alleged that the state police used written and physical fitness tests that discriminated against Black and female applicants. The tests disqualified these applicants at significantly disproportionate rates, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Col. Roland Butler, superintendent of the Maryland State Police, acknowledged that discriminatory practices were found to be unintentional but emphasized that discrimination has no place in the agency.
The agreement also requires the state police to hire up to 25 applicants who were unfairly disqualified by previous tests and successfully complete the new screening process. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Marquardt highlighted the importance of equal employment opportunities in law enforcement to ensure diversity within communities.
The monetary settlement, along with the commitment to modernize testing procedures, aims to address these discriminatory practices and move towards a more inclusive and transparent future for the Maryland State Police. Governor Moore and Col. Butler expressed a joint effort to improve policing culture and uphold equal opportunities within the agency.