Public Safety Accountability Unit

Purpose

The Public Safety Accountability Unit (PSAU) is an independent investigative body reporting to the University’s Board of Trustees through the University Chief Audit Officer. The PSAU plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD). Its primary purpose is to ensure accountability and integrity within the JHPD. The PSAU is dedicated to conducting thorough and impartial investigations and assessments of any incidents involving use of force or allegations of misconduct. By conducting independent investigations and ensuring accountability, the PSAU will help foster a safe and trustworthy environment for the Johns Hopkins community.

Staffing and Oversight

The PSAU is overseen by Executive Director Daniel Harrington and staffed by qualified investigators who bring knowledge and experience to their roles. This ensures that all investigations are conducted with the highest level of professionalism and thoroughness.

Core Principles

1. Member Accountability: Holding JHPD and Public Safety members accountable through fair and consistent investigatory and disciplinary processes.
2. Transparency: Maintaining transparent systems for receiving, classifying, investigating, and adjudicating complaints to ensure public confidence in the JHPD.
3. Trust and Respect: Ensuring respectful and fair treatment of all individuals to build trust between the police and the community.

Functions

The PSAU operates under the auspices of the University and Health System Chief Audit Officer, leveraging that position’s commitment to independence, integrity and accountability to ensure independent and appropriate investigations and assessments of JHPD incidents involving the use of force and allegations of misconduct.   

1. Investigative Authority:
   • The PSAU is responsible for investigating all complaints of misconduct reported by the public related to JHPD and Public Safety members. This includes anonymous complaints.
   • The PSAU assesses use-of-force incidents to determine if they align with JHPD and Public Safety policies and training.
2. Use of Force Review:
   • PSAU members, when available, respond to the scene of a use-of-force incident to conduct an immediate review. 
   • For use-of-force incidents involving death or serious injury, the PSAU coordinates with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division (IID) and provides support without interfering with IID’s investigation. 
3. Complaint Management:
   • The PSAU ensures all complaints are documented, classified, and investigated. 
   • The PSAU coordinates with the Civilian Review Board of Baltimore City, the Baltimore City Administrative Charging Committee, and the Police Accountability Board for Baltimore City for investigations and disciplinary actions. 
4. Transparency and Accountability:
   • The PSAU ensures transparency by maintaining detailed records of all investigations and making annual reports publicly available.
   • The PSAU collaborates with various oversight bodies, including the Baltimore City Administrative Charging Committee, the Civilian Review Board of Baltimore City, and the Police Accountability Board for Baltimore City, to enhance accountability and public trust. 
5. Policy Enforcement:
   • The PSAU enforces JHPD directives and ensures compliance with the Maryland Police Accountability Act and other relevant laws.
   • The PSAU recommends disciplinary actions and additional training based on investigation outcomes. 

To File a Complaint

If you wish to file a complaint against a JHPD member, please use the following link and you will be re-directed to an online complaint form. 

If you want to check on the status of an existing complaint, please click this button.  

Contact Information

psau@jh.edu