Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando made the following statement regarding the Montgomery County Office of the Inspector General’s Investigation of Alleged Misconduct by a Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Executive.

“I have reviewed the Office of the Inspector General’s Sept. 18 Memorandum of Investigation and am deeply disappointed by its findings regarding misconduct by an MCPD executive.

“The Montgomery County Police Department is entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring the public safety of our community. That mission carries extraordinary authority and responsibility. Those who lead the department must exercise that authority with the highest levels of integrity, accountability and sound judgment.

“The Inspector General found that the MCPD executive described in the report violated both County Code and MCPD policy. The executive was absent from duty on at least five days without taking leave or adjusting their schedule and was not truthful with investigators regarding their role in selecting a County-employed relative to attend an out-of-state conference.

“My expectations for public servants in Montgomery County are high, and they are higher still for those entrusted with positions of leadership. I am grateful to the Office of the Inspector General for their thorough work to bring this matter to light.

“The report also identifies broader weaknesses in policies and internal controls, including time and attendance practices and supervisory review, and makes five recommendations for improvement. I intend to review those recommendations closely and work to ensure that the necessary safeguards are strengthened going forward.

“The conduct described in this report should not be allowed to reflect on the women and men of MCPD who serve our community every day and who are themselves held to high standards. They deserve leadership that meets those same standards.

Click here for full news release from the Montgomery County Government