Sheriff and NAACP Sign Memorandum of Understanding
   

February 27, 2008—History was made at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Department and the St. Mary's County NAACP. Below is the text of the document.

From left: Jimmie Hill, Janice Walthour, Gertrude Veronica Scriber, Tim Cameron,
William "Nace" Bowman, Rose Frederick, Darlene Johnson, and Tim Johnson.

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

between the

St.Mary's Counry Sheriff's Office

and the

St. Mary's County National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

In an effort to build a legacy of mutual cooperation and concern,the St. Mary's County NAACP and the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office (hereinafter referred to as the parties) enter into this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This document responds to specific citizen concerns, issues and/or questions concerning the relationship of the community to the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. This document is a demonstration of the commitment between the parties to maintain, expand, and improve Sheriff's Office community relations, and effectiveness.

The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored people is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office endeavors to provide the highest quality service through respect, integrity and professionalism.
Respect
With respect,fairness and compassion, we are committed to preserving peace, order and safety; enforcing laws and ordinances; and safeguarding constitutional rights.
Integrity
We are responsible for our conduct, both professionally and personally. We are honest, fair, and strong of character. We hold ourselves accountableto the highest standards of ethical conduct and endeavor to be role models for others.
Professionalism
We are committed to professionalism through leadership, personal service, timely responses, and dependable performance in the best interest of the community and the office we serve.

Officer or civilian, full or part-time, paid or volunteer, we are proud to belong to this agency and promote these values.

* * *

The Parties agree that citizens' understanding of Sheriff's Office authority, policy, procedures, mandates, and actions are an essential part of quality law enforcement services. A greater understanding of the Sheriff's Office by NAACP leadership will allow them to communicate with citizens about actions of Sheriff's Deputies and the Office. Equally important is a greater understanding of the NAACP and the greater community by the Sheriff's office.

The Parties further agree that there are several beneficial programs offered by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office aimed at opening lines of communication, improving community relations, and helping the community understand law enforcement. These programs are; Citizens Academy (for adults), the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Ride-Along Program, the Citizens Advisory Board, Neighborhood Watch & Citizens on Patrol, Community Action Teams, and the St. Mary's County Office of Victim Services, which meets in the community monthly. It is agreed that these current efforts of outreach employed by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office should continue as long as they are deemed effective,and within the budgetary means of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

The Parties agree that direct communications between the Sheriff and the NAACP leadership concerning issues raised by the public regarding law enforcement services in St. Mary's County would forge a positive relationship between the parties. A system that allows for timely and direct contact between the parties on matters of mutual concern is essential. By having open accurate communications, the flow of information would serve to limit false information and rumors. The Parties shall communicate to minimize the negative impact of misinformation about law enforcement services. The parties further agree to respond promptly to each others calls.

The Parties agree that ongoing, non-enforcement related contacts between the St. Mary's Counry Sheriff's Office and members of the communities of color in St. Mary's County are essential to the continuation and expansion of positive law enforcement/community relations between the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and the community.

The Parties agree that knowledge and training on cultural diversity in St. Mary's County is a priority of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

The Parties agree that citizens may be unsure of the scope and authority of Deputy Sheriff's and may misinterpret some law enforcement actions.

The Parties agree that Town Hall meetings with the citizens of St. Mary's County and the St. Mary's County Sheriff is an effective way to build community relations, share information, and address citizen concerns. This will provide a venue to address specific neighborhood concerns about law enforcement activities and contacts with residents.

The Parties agree that efforts of recruiting diverse candidates by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office has been ongoing and includes recruiting trips to several sites (colleges, military posts, and community based organizations) and advertisements in various media. It is further agreed that staff diversity is essential. The Parties agree to continuously identify and utilize opportunities to encourage qualified candidates of color to consider a career with the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

THE ST. MARY'S COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The St. Mary's County Sheriff or his designee if he is not available agrees to be present quarterly at the NAACP Branch meetings. The Parties agree and understand that because of the law, some events or issues may not be subject to discussion. The Parties further agree that questions, for which neither has an immediate answer for, will be researched and responded to in a timely manner.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office agrees to continue or expand its outreach efforts to communities of color in St. Mary's County, and to share information on outreach activities with the St. Mary's County NAACP.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office agrees to provide the NAACP leadership with direct contact information for the Sheriff and Command Staff to facilitate communication between the parties, and promptly respond to each call received from the St. Mary's County NAACP.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office will work toward recruiting a workforce that will reflect the diversity of the county's population.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office further agrees to provide to the NAACP information on recruitment, hiring, promotion and retention of all personnel (as the law allows), and agrees to share statistical information regarding the hiring of people of color—Deputy Sheriff's and staff personnel—in the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office.

THE ST. MARY'S COUNTY NAACP

The St. Mary's County NAACP agrees to encourage members to understand and participate in outreach operations of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office and will assist the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office in its community outreach efforts.

The St. Mary's County NAACP agrees to identify and contact various racial, religious and ethnic communities (Hispanic, Asian, Muslim, etc.) and to develop with each of them, information and considerations the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Deputies should be aware of when dealing with members of that community. The St. Mary's County NAACP will assist in recommending and providing information on diversity training to the Sheriff's Office.

The St. Mary's County NAACP and Sheriff's Office will foster a greater nderstanding and work to eliminate false perceptions regarding the hiring of personnel and community law enforcement activities.

The St. Mary's County NAACP leadership recognizes that the Sheriff's Office Citizens Advisory Board is an effective way to communicate with the community regarding crime, neighborhood problems and criminal justice issues. Further, the St. Mary's County NACCP leadership agrees that a member should attend and participate on the Citizens Advisory Board and bring back information to the St. Mary's County NAACP membership.

The St. Mary's County NAACP agrees to assist the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office in recruiting candidates of color. The NAACP will encourage members, and children of members to consider becoming involved in one or more of the existing outreach programs mentioned and to apply for positions within the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. The St. Mary's County NAACP agrees to invite the Sheriff's Office to Job Fairs they may sponsor.

The St. Mary's County NAACP agrees to provide the Sheriff with a direct contact list for the NAACP leadershp to facilitate communication between the Parties, and promptly respond to each call received from the Sheriff.

ADDITIONALLY

This MOU is the result of voluntary agreement between the parties and is not a result of duress, coercion, or undue influence. Nothing in this MOU should be taken as an admission of wrong doing by any party and the terms and conditions contained herein are non-contractual and create no independent contractual obligation and/or duties upon any of the parties hereto. It being distinctly understood and agreed that no party to this MOU shall institute or prosecute any judicial or administrative proceedings of any kind or nature to enforce any of the terms and conditions herein.

In the event that the parties to this MOU cannot reach agreement on issues before it, neutral dispute resolution will be sought to resolve their differences. The U.S. Department of Justice, Community Relations Service or other local dispute resolution service might be sought in this regard.

IN CONCLUSION

The Parties agree that this is a living document and from time-to-time, one or both Parties may see a need to refine or adjust this MOU. The Parties agree that upon mutual consent, any adjustments, additions or deletions to this MOU may be made.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Memorandum of Understanding as of this day February 27, 2008, and the signatories hereto personally represent that this Memorandum of Understanding is executed pursuant to legal authorization by the organizations on behalf of which they are signing:

William N. Bowman, President
St. Mary's County NAACP


Timothy K. Cameron, Sheriff
St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office

Witnessed by:

Timothy J. Johnson, Senior Conciliation Specialist
United States Department of Justice Community Relations Service