Do you have information about a crime?

Submit a tip anonymously online at www.p3tips.com
– or –
Call our Crime/Drug Tip Line: 410-836-7788

If this is an emergency, call 911.

We expect our members to do their best in any situation. Part of that commitment is to investigate all complaints against our members in an unbiased, thorough and fair way.

The honor of our agency depends on the personal integrity and discipline of each member. We expect our members to exceed the highest standards of personal conduct, both on-and off-duty.

The formal complaint process allows us to hear concerns, investigate issues and evaluate training. It also helps us better understand the concerns of the public, which may not always have an in-depth understanding of police or correctional practices.

The complaint process offers an open line of communication and unbiased review that benefits everyone involved, both in the community and the agency.

The Office of Professional Standards oversees all internal investigations to ensure thoroughness and fairness.

Complaints may be filed online here

Or by downloading a form here and mailing it to:

Harford County Sheriff’s Office
Office of Professional Standards
45 South Main Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Complaints may be emailed to:

InternalAffairs@harfordsheriff.org

Formal complaints can be filed at Headquarters, the Detention Center or any Precinct in person, by mail, email or by telephone. All complaints will be handled confidentially and are assigned to an investigator in the Office of Professional Standards or the commander of the accused deputy or employee for investigation.

Complainants will be updated by the assigned investigator every 30 days on the status of the investigation. You may contact the Office of Professional Standards at 410-638-3173 during business hours to receive an update.

At the conclusion of the investigation, you will be contacted to inform you that the investigation has been completed and forwarded to the appropriate command for review and disposition.

The final disposition can take more than 60 days to complete and may be extended, if circumstances outside of HCSO’s control require. The final disposition will be provided to you via United States mail from the Commander of our Investigative Services Bureau.

At anytime during the investigation, a complainant may voluntarily withdraw their complaint. Requests for withdrawal will be reviewed by the Chief, Investigative Services Bureau. Investigations may continue if it is deemed in the best interest of the HCSO, the complainant, or the employee with or without the cooperation of the complainant.

Download the withdrawal form here. Withdrawals may be submitted to the address above or by way of the email provided.

Internal investigations into allegations of police officer misconduct that can lead to disciplinary action, demotion, or dismissal, must be conducted in accordance with state law and the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights (LEOBR), Sections 3-101 through 3-112 of the Public Safety Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. The LEOBR applies only to sworn agency personnel (Law Enforcement and Correctional Deputies). Internal discipline is separate from punishment that a deputy may face as a result of a criminal charge.

When an Internal investigation results in a finding that an deputy has engaged in misconduct by violating a law or a Harford County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) rule, policy, or procedure, that officer is subject to discipline. A deputy can request to be heard before an Administrative Hearing Board if he/she disputes the findings of an HCSO internal investigation and/or the recommended discipline.

In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article, Section 3-107 (e)(1)(ii), “the [Administrative] hearing shall be open to the public, unless the Sheriff finds a hearing must be closed for good cause, including to protect a confidential informant, an undercover officer, or a child witness.”

When Administrative Hearing Boards are conducted by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Affairs number, date, time and location will be posted on this page a week ahead of the scheduled hearing board.

If you plan to attend an Administrative Hearing Board, please return to this page after 5 p.m. the day before the scheduled hearing board to confirm it is still taking place. A hearing board will be canceled if the matter is resolved before the scheduled hearing.

Individuals attending an Administrative Hearing Board must act in a respectful manner. Administrative Hearing Rules of Conduct/Order:

• All electronic devices inside the administrative hearing room shall remain off and no electronic device may be used to receive, transmit, or record sound, visual images, data, or other information.
• Firearms are not permitted in the hearing room.
• Appropriate dress is required
• Food and drink are not permitted in the hearing room.
• Broadcasting of the hearing is not permitted.
• Talking while the hearing is in session is not permitted.
• Interacting with those involved in the hearing is not permitted.
• Smoking is not permitted in the hearing room.
• Conduct that interferes with the proceedings is not permitted.

Anyone who does not comply with these rules is subject to removal from the proceedings.
NOTE: Members of the public will be subject to security inspections prior to viewing the hearing board proceedings.

Administrative Hearing Board Schedule

Email us anytime at: webmaster@harfordsheriff.org.

Please note that our email is not monitored 24 hours a day.
If you have an emergency please call 911.