Metro’s Board of Directors is conducting an Authority-wide effort to advance equitable policies and practices. Last month, the Board took its first related action by creating a new, independent review panel for the Metro Transit Police Department.

When it is constituted this fall, the new independent advisory body, called the MTPD Investigations Review Panel, will consist of seven members:

• Four civilians (one each from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, plus an “at large” member)
• Three individuals with law-enforcement experience, but who are not affiliated with the Metro Transit Police Department

Each quarter, the Investigations Review Panel will review completed MTPD investigations and submit recommendations to the MTPD Chief of Police, with a copy to the Metro Board of Directors, on changes to policy and training – all in an effort to improve the integrity of investigations and the thoroughness and fairness of the process, consistent with best practices in law enforcement.