Johns Hopkins Seeks Applicants for Police Accountability Board

Johns Hopkins University is inviting applications for its Police Accountability Board, which plays a crucial role in guiding the development and functioning of the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD). This initiative is particularly significant as the JHPD prepares to transition to full operational status. The application deadline is set for October 24, 2023, and interested candidates can apply via the university’s Public Safety website.

Composition and Responsibilities of the Board

Currently, there are eight vacancies on the board due to the end of previous terms. These positions include two for staff members, four for students, one for faculty, and one to be appointed by the president of the Baltimore City Council. The board, established in 2019 under the Community Safety and Strengthening Act—which authorized the JHPD—comprises 15 members. Its responsibilities include gathering community feedback for JHPD leadership, analyzing crime data, and reviewing department policies to recommend improvements.

The board consists of five community members who are not affiliated with Johns Hopkins, alongside ten representatives from the university’s student, faculty, and staff populations. These representatives are drawn from the JHPD’s three operational campuses: East Baltimore, Homewood, and Peabody. At least one representative must be from the Johns Hopkins Black Faculty and Staff Association. The community members reflect the neighborhoods where the JHPD may operate, ensuring diverse local perspectives are included.

Application Process and Timeline

Candidates interested in serving on the board must submit their applications by October 24, 2023. A nominating committee, consisting of Baltimore City residents, students, faculty, and staff, will review the applications and recommend candidates for consideration by university leadership. Nominees are expected to be announced in November 2023, and final recommendations will be submitted to the Maryland State Senate during the legislative session in January 2026.

To ensure the effectiveness of the JHPD, the board convenes at least quarterly and holds a minimum of one public meeting each year to collect community input. Minutes from these meetings are publicly accessible online. Non-student members must demonstrate strong ties to the Baltimore community, either through residency or active involvement. They are expected to commit to a two-year term from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2028. In contrast, student members will serve a one-year term from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, and must be enrolled at one of the JHU campuses at the time of their selection.

This initiative reinforces the commitment of Johns Hopkins University to establish the JHPD as a progressive and accountable police department within the university environment, ensuring that it meets the expectations and needs of the community it serves.