Courtwatch PG’s Accountability Committee members review the notes taken by Courtwatchers who observe bond hearings and write letters to the officials in the Prince George’s County judicial system to ensure that they are acting in accordance with Maryland Rules 4-216 and 4-216.1, and the Constitution, and to hold them to account. Those facing charges, especially our Black and Brown community members, are frequently subject to unequal, unfair, and inhumane treatment by the actors within the criminal system. Courtwatch PG is observing and challenging this treatment and advocating for these members of the community.

This is a repository of the letters that have been sent to the district administrative judge, the State’s Attorney, the jail, Pretrial Services, the commissioners, and the Chief of Police. We are posting these letters for transparency in our activism, and to hold the players in the judicial system accountable to the entire community. We encourage other communities to hold the judicial system to account. These letters are an example of one way to do that.

The letters are organized by who they were written to. The names and case numbers of the loved ones have been redacted to protect their privacy.