Maryland's New Motto: 'To Protect and to Settle Lawsuits'

Written by: Sam Orlando

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND - In what might be the most expensive apology tour ever, Prince George’s County, Maryland, has spent a jaw-dropping $54 million over the past decade settling cases of alleged police misconduct. For context, that’s enough money to pave miles of roads, build community centers, or fund public schools. But why invest in the future when you can pour it into hush money for lawsuits instead?

Repeat Offenders, Repeat Payments

Even more impressive than the sheer scale of the payouts is the revelation that 13% of them involved repeat offenders. That’s right—some officers managed to rack up multiple allegations of misconduct, costing the county millions in settlements each time. It’s almost as if there’s an incentive program for bad behavior: "Mess up big, and we’ll pay to make it go away—again."

And these aren’t minor infractions. The settlements cover everything from excessive force to wrongful death, with the county writing checks like it’s handing out raffle prizes. One can’t help but wonder if "settlement negotiations" are now part of the standard police academy curriculum.

The Cost of Silence

Critics argue that these payouts represent a systemic failure to address misconduct at its root. Instead of disciplining officers or implementing meaningful reforms, Prince George’s County appears to have adopted a “pay and forget” strategy. The financial toll is staggering, but the cost to public trust might be even higher.

“You can’t buy back faith in the system,” said one local activist. “These payouts might close cases, but they don’t close wounds.”

A Call for Accountability

The issue has sparked renewed calls for greater accountability and transparency in policing. Advocates are pushing for stronger oversight mechanisms, including the release of detailed records on settlements and the officers involved. They argue that the public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent—and what behavior they’re indirectly funding.

For its part, the county government has promised to review its policies. But promises are easy, and $54 million says that action is a lot harder.

A National Problem

While Prince George’s County stands out for the size of its payouts, it’s far from alone. Police misconduct settlements have become a recurring expense for cities and counties across the United States, often treated as just another budget line. Advocates say it’s time to stop writing checks and start writing reforms.

Until then, Maryland taxpayers might want to start asking for receipts—and maybe a refund.