Maryland Gives AG Expanded Power to Pursue Charges Against Police

Maryland passed legislation giving the state attorney general new authority to bring charges against police officers following investigations into incidents resulting in civilian death.
The law allows the attorney general to charge officers even when local prosecutors opt not to pursue cases.
Supporters say the law aims to address conflicts of interest, while critics argue it oversteps the authority of elected local prosecutors.
The attorney general's new independent unit has investigated 31 police-involved deaths since October, with prosecutors declining to pursue charges in over half the cases.