Applications open for Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board

Johns Hopkins University is actively seeking applicants to join its Police Accountability Board, a group tasked with shaping the development and operation of the Johns Hopkins Police Department. The board plays an essential advisory role as the JHPD transitions from implementation to full operational status.

The deadline to apply has been extended to Oct. 29; applications can be completed through the university's Public Safety website.

Currently, there are eight open seats on the board due to the conclusion of previous terms: two for staff, four for students, one for faculty, and one to be filled by an individual appointed by the president of the Baltimore City Council. Additional details regarding the application process can be found on the Public Safety website.

Established in 2019 under the Community Safety and Strengthening Act—the state law authorizing the JHPD—the 15-member accountability board is charged with a number of critical responsibilities. These include gathering community feedback to relay to JHPD leadership, analyzing crime metrics, and reviewing department policies, procedures, and training to recommend improvements.

The board includes five community members not affiliated with Johns Hopkins, along with 10 representatives from among the university's students, faculty, and staff. Hopkins representatives are drawn from JHPD's three operational campuses—East Baltimore, Homewood, and Peabody—and include at least one representative from the Johns Hopkins Black Faculty and Staff Association. Community members also reflect the neighborhoods in these three areas where the JHPD may patrol.

Those interested in serving on the board should submit their applications by Oct. 29. A nominating committee made up of Baltimore City residents, students, faculty, and staff will review applications and recommend candidates for university leadership's consideration. Nominees will be announced in November, and in January 2026, the final recommendations will be submitted to the Maryland State Senate for approval during the legislative session.

The board helps ensure the JHPD is successful and effective and lives up to its promise to be the most progressive, accountable university police department in the nation. The board convenes at least quarterly and holds a minimum of one public meeting each year to gather input from community members, with minutes of meetings posted on a website available to the public.

Non-student members must demonstrate strong ties to the Baltimore community, either through residency or involvement, and are expected to commit to a two-year term from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2028. Student members are required to serve a one-year term from June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, and must be enrolled at one of the JHU campuses (Homewood, East Baltimore, or Peabody) at the time of their selection.