EEO Complaints
The Maryland State Police (MDSP) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer committed to fair treatment for all employees and applicants. Our EEO program handles discrimination complaints, ensures laws are followed, and helps employees understand their rights. It also offers training, mediation, and confidential support to resolve workplace issues. Read the full EEO copy - PDF - 122.6 KB or the abridged plan - PDF - 200.58 KB to learn more.
Employees and applicants who believe they have been treated unfairly have the right to file a complaint. Supervisors who are aware of discrimination must act right away to address the issue and prevent it from happening again. Concerns should be resolved as quickly as possible at the lowest level to fix the problem and avoid repeat issues.
Complaint Procedure
- Complaint Filing: Within 365 days of alleged violation (2 years for harassment)
- Agency Investigation & Decision: 60 days.
- Appeal to OSEEOC: 10 days.
- OSEEOC Review & Final Decision: 30 days.
Key Provisions:
- Applies to Skilled, Professional, and Management Services employees/applicants.
- Employees may choose this procedure or SPP Title 12 grievance.
- Days refer to calendar days.
- Agency failure to respond is a denial, allowing appeal.
- Complainants may have a representative.
- Complaints can also be filed with MCCR or EEOC.
Source: State Personnel & Pensions Article, Title 5, Subtitle 2 - PDF
How to file an EEO compliant
Following a complaint, the agency's EEO Officer investigates and proposes a decision to the principal unit head, who then issues a written decision. If unsatisfied, can appeal in writing within 10 days to:
Department of Budget and Management
OSEEOC
301 West Preston Street, Room 301
Baltimore, MD 21201
The Statewide EEO Coordinator reviews the appeal, conducts further investigation if needed, and issues a final decision.
File within 180 days
Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR)
6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 900
Baltimore, Maryland 21202-1631
Phone: 410-767-8600
File within 300 days
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (U.S. EEOC)
George H. Fallon Federal Building
31 Hopkins Place, #1432
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Phone: 410-962-3932
File a MDSP discrimination complaint
You can file a discrimination complaint form - PDF and forward by email, mail or fax, the original copy to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
American with Disabilities Act Compliance
The MDSP follows federal and state disability laws and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.
If you need an accommodation for the application or interview process, to perform your job, or to access workplace benefits, contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected].
You can also reach the Maryland State Police Headquarters Duty Officer 24/7 at 410-653-4200 or 410-486-0677 (TDD).
Reasonable accommodations FAQs
Reasonable accommodations FAQs
A reasonable accommodation is a change or modification to afford a qualified individual with a disability full enjoyment of MDSP programs or activities, unless modifications of policies, practices, and procedures would fundamentally alter the nature of the program, service, or activity, or result in undue financial and administrative burdens to MDSP.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Joyce Fields, Medical Services Unit at 410-653-4221, or [email protected].
No, you do not need to put your request in writing, however, making a written request can be helpful documentation for ensuring that MDSP provides the 2 desired accommodation. In addition, you do not need to use the specific words “reasonable accommodations” when making your request.
You may request a reasonable accommodation from MDSP at any time. However, making the request in advance of a meeting, conference call, or visit will help ensure that MDSP is able to fulfill the request for an accommodation. For certain requests, such as requests for sign language interpretation, MDSP requests at least two week’s advance notice.
Yes, anyone can request a reasonable accommodation on behalf of an individual with a disability who seeks to interact with MDSP staff or participate in its programs or activities.
MDSP may contact you to obtain more information about your request and to better understand your needs. In addition, MDSP may review your request to determine:
- Whether the requested accommodation will be effective in allowing you to participate in the activity or program in which you are seeking participation;
- Whether the requested accommodation is reasonable, or an equally effective alternative to the requested accommodation is available; and
- Whether providing you with the requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of MDSP’s program or impose undue financial or administrative burdens on MDSP.
In addition, in some cases, MDSP may consult with you in an interactive process to determine on a case-by-case basis what accommodations can be made. If MDSP determines that your requested accommodation would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or impose an undue financial or administrative burden, MDSP may deny your request.
However, in the unlikely event that this occurs, MDSP will work with you to identify an alternative accommodation that allows you to effectively participate in MDSP’s program, activity, or service.
No, MDSP may not request medical documentation after receiving your request for a reasonable accommodation. MDSP questions will be limited to understanding the barrier to your ability to participate in the program or activity in which you are interested and the nature of an accommodation that will remove this barrier.
No, you are not responsible for the cost of an auxiliary aid or service MDSP provides to you.
There are many types of reasonable accommodations. Some examples of how MDSP provides reasonable accommodations include:
- Arranging for qualified sign language interpreters
- Providing on-site captioning
- Producing alternate formats of print materials in braille, large print, or in an electronic format
- Providing remote conference captioning services
- Furnishing a temporary ramp to access the dais or other areas with one or more stairs to ensure accessibility for individuals who have physical disabilities and may be using a wheelchair or walker
Statutes and Regulations
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) 1967
- Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) 2008
- Annotated Code of Maryland, State Personnel and Pensions Article Title 5, subtitles 2 and 3 - PDF
- Executive Order 01.01.2007.16, Code Of Fair Employment Practices - PDF
- State Government Article, Title 20
Policy and Procedures
Questions?
Related information
- Office of the Statewide EEO Coordinator’s (OSEEOC)
- Maryland Office of Civil Rights
- Filing A Charge of Discrimination with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission
- Addressing Police Misconduct Laws Enforced By The Department Of Justice
- Maryland Whistleblower Law - PDF
- Interpreter Services
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Workforce Assessment Study - PDF - 800.91 KB , June 2023