Chief Ends Unauthorized Patrol Incentive Program for Performance at a PGPD District Station

Chief Hank Stawinski addressed the community on Wednesday August 7^th, 2019 after learning the Commander and Assistant Commander of the agency’s District II station in Bowie had implemented an unauthorized incentive program for patrol officers.  The program provided officers who produced the highest number of enforcement actions with compensatory time on a monthly basis.  While it was meant to incentivize performance, it was not based on quotas.  The program was initiated 6 months ago. 

Click the link to view Chief Stawinski's August 7th Press Conference regarding this topic: https://youtu.be/Pe1LfmB9TuM

On July 26^th, the Chief became aware of the unauthorized performance incentive program and immediately directed the Command Staff at District II to stop the practice.  He also directed the Deputy Chiefs to convene their staffs to ensure the unauthorized performance program was not being employed elsewhere in the agency.    

A review conducted by our Internal Affairs Division showed no citizen complaints regarding enforcement actions against officers in District II during the 6 month period.  However, if any resident has a concern about an interaction with a patrol officer in District II, they should contact the Inspector General of the Prince George’s County Police Department at police_oig@co.pg.md.us.  The Inspector General provides independent oversight of Prince George’s County Police Department operations.  Further, the department is publishing a policy specifically prohibiting such incentive programs.

The names of the Commander and Assistant Commander of District II are not being released due to State Personnel Law.  They have accepted discipline and are being transferred to new assignments.