The Justice Department announced Friday that it has opened an investigation into the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP), officials stated.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the investigation will determine whether MDSP has engaged in racially discriminatory hiring and promotion practices, according to authorities.
“Discrimination has no place in any workplace, and especially in law enforcement agencies,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation will determine whether the Maryland Department of State Police has created racially discriminatory barriers for Black people seeking job opportunities and promotions and, if so, identify the reforms necessary to ensure equal employment opportunities. All communities deserve law enforcement agencies that are built upon principles of fairness and equity.”
The Governor and Maryland State Police Superintendent have been informed and pledged cooperation with the investigation.
The employment discrimination investigation will be conducted pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.
Under Title VII, the Justice Department has the authority to initiate investigations against state and local government employers where it has reason to believe that a “pattern or practice” of employment discrimination exists. The department has not reached any conclusions regarding the allegations in this matter.
This matter is being investigated jointly by attorneys from the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.