Committees
If you would like to join our community, we have many projects that could really use your help and input!
Just let us know your interest on this form! Thank you!
Accountability/Letter Writing Committee
Chair: Jen Ruffner
Our Accountability Committee convenes biweekly, reviewing flagged cases submitted by court watchers during the weeks. These letters are directed toward significant figures including the Chief Judge, Administrative Judge, States Attorney, Head of Commissioner, Chief of Police, Inspector General in the Police Department, Pretrial Director, Jail Director, Elected Officials from the House and the Senate, County Counsel and Prince George’s County Health Department. We have sent 546 letters since November 2020, amplifying our stance for justice.
Social Media/Website Committee
Chair: Aly Williams
Our platforms are diligently managed by trained court watchers and works to disseminate courtroom observations to our local community and beyond. Our website serves as a hub, housing newsletters, campaigns, and redacted accountability letters. Moreover, our website is a recruitment epicenter, inviting new court watchers and community members keen on launching court watches in their counties.
Newsletter Committee
Chair: Heather Lewis
The Courtwatch PG newsletter committee was formed in the spring of 2024 to gather, track, and share what we’ve been up to, including events, laws, incidents, and our impact on our community and beyond.
The newsletter will be published quarterly unless we need to share more information sooner. If you have questions or suggestions for our newsletter please contact us here.
Database Committee
Chair: Camila Linneman
We have fortified our database for court watch and court observing days. Court Observing days are pivotal for flagging cases destined for social media or accountability letter committees. These robust data entry tools incorporate stringent quality control measures, infusing credibility and meticulous quality assurance. Moreover, we’ve pioneered a data scraper compatible with Windows and Mac, streamlining data extraction from Maryland Judiciary Case Search. This innovation is set to substantially curtail manual data entry requirements.
Research Committee
Chair: Bill Haines
The Research Committee exists to research any questions that Courtwatch PG would like us to study, such as aspects of the law, the institutional context of bond hearings, conditions in the jail, and the way the criminal legal system approaches people with mental health difficulties. One of our tools is the Maryland Public Information Act, which allows us to demand information from any government agency in the state.
Retention and Recruitment Committee
Chair: Caitlin Fitzpatrick
The Recruitment and Retention Team at Courtwatch PG works to attract new volunteers who share the organization’s mission and values. Through targeted recruitment efforts, they strive to build a strong and inclusive volunteer base, fostering a sense of community and collective purpose within the organization. Additionally, the team is committed to retaining volunteers by providing ongoing support, recognition, and opportunities for growth and development.
The National Court Watch, Inc.
The National Court Watch, Inc. convenes with unwavering regularity every third Wednesday of the month. Within this sanctum, various organizations gather not only to share insights but also to unburden, strategize, and forge connections. The revelation is profound: regardless of geographical boundaries, a distressing pattern of injustice courses through many courtrooms. We have about 20 court watch organizations that collaborate with the National and International Court Watchers.