Anne Arundel County NAACP Calls for Independent Investigation Into Annapolis Police Personnel Practices

The Anne Arundel County Branch of the NAACP is calling for an independent investigation into personnel practices within the Annapolis Police Department, the latest development in a months-long exchange with City leadership over allegations of workplace discrimination, unfair treatment and accountability.

In an August 20 letter to Mayor Jared Littmann, the organization alleged that personnel decisions following a Police Department leadership transition earlier this year have disproportionately affected African American employees and represent a retreat from the department's previous diversity and equity commitments.

According to the NAACP, three African American employees were transferred from the Chief's Office, while four others were terminated or had their employment contracts terminated. The organization also cited suspensions and involuntary transfers involving several African American employees and supervisors.

The NAACP further alleged that another officer's transfer resulted in the disbanding of the Neighborhood Stabilization Unit, which it described as an important resource for community relations and violence prevention. The organization said no replacement initiative had been established at the time of its letter.

The August correspondence also raises concerns about workplace scheduling practices. According to the NAACP, four female administrative employees, three African American and one of Philippine descent, had their long-standing schedules altered, while three other civilian employees working under the same supervision were permitted more flexible arrangements, including remote work and Fridays off.

Months of Concerns and Calls for Reform

The August allegations follow earlier correspondence between the NAACP and City officials regarding broader employment practices.

According to the organization, it presented Mayor Littmann and the Annapolis City Council with employee complaints on January 12 involving alleged hostile work environments, retaliation and senior management misconduct.

The NAACP subsequently criticized investigations conducted by outside employment law firms retained by the City's Office of Law, alleging that key witnesses were not interviewed and complainants were denied access to their statements and meaningful opportunities to respond.

The organization proposed strengthening City personnel regulations, establishing an independent task force to examine senior management misconduct and systemic failures, and temporarily pausing recent disciplinary actions pending an objective review.

Following a February 10 response from Mayor Littmann, the NAACP expressed disappointment with the administration's rejection of its proposed task force and disciplinary moratorium. The organization also requested the creation of an independent attorney position within the City's Human Resources Department, reporting directly to the Mayor and City Council, and recommended Claudia Barber for that position.

In an April 3 letter, NAACP Branch President Steven Waddy accepted an offer to hold quarterly meetings with Mayor Littmann while reiterating the organization's concerns about employment practices and independent oversight.

The April correspondence also called for Civil Service Board hearings to remain open to the public, NAACP involvement in reviewing the City's Equal Employment Opportunity functions and participation in senior-level hiring processes, including the selection of a police chief.

Additionally, the organization sought automatic equity reviews when evidence indicates patterns of disproportionately discriminatory treatment affecting employees in protected classes, particularly Black employees.

Request for Independent Investigation

In its August letter, the NAACP argued that the volume, timing and nature of the Police Department's personnel decisions raise concerns about whether department policies are being applied fairly and could undermine employee morale and public trust.

The organization is requesting what it described as an “immediate, independent, and thorough investigation” into the department's personnel practices to restore accountability, equity and a commitment to diversity.

The allegations outlined in the correspondence represent the NAACP's assertions and are not presented in the documents as findings from an independent investigation. The documents provided do not include the underlying personnel records or Mayor Littmann's February 10 response.

Report Annapolis News will seek a comment from the City of Annapolis regarding the NAACP's demands.