During the review of a complaint the Independent Review Panel often observes behavior, either on the part of the department, the county employee or the complainant, that impacted the complaint. The Panel comments on this behavior and its effect. For more information on the case relating to the observation, click on the case name.

• "The MDPD disposition of 'Not Sustained,' given the preponderance of the evidence to sustain the allegation that Officer Davenport punched the complainant in the eye, grabbed him by his neck, pushed him into a door and kicked him on the ankle, and then lied on the Arrest Affidavit when he said the complainant's injuries were received when he fell against a filing cabinet, does nothing to increase the public trust that the police can police themselves. Cruz
• "MDPD's refusal to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by Animal Services employees, while the Animal Services Unit was under MDPD jurisdiction, and the new Animal Services Department's refusal to investigate the same allegations negatively impacts public trust, leaving the citizen with no adequate remedy to investigate a complaint. Barcelo 
• "Animals Services identifies a roaming dog without a tag as a "stray,"even though the dog may be a loved and well-cared for pet. The dog wearing a tag can be identified and returned to its owner. County Code requires all dogs to wear visible current tags. It is in the best interest of the dog and the owner for the dog to wear a tag. Barcelo
• "The Panel commends Blanton Harris for behavior which kept a police situation calm during a time when he was stressed and frustrated. An SUV had just crashed into Mr. Harris' parked vehicle. Officer Baluja accused Mr. Harris of driving his vehicle at the time of the crash and Officer Colbourne charged him with making an illegal U-turn, even though witnesses testified that his vehicle was parked at the time of the crash. Mr. Harris made every effort to provide information to the officers, but refrained from behavior which would have escalated the situation to the point of getting arrested. Harris
• "Both Officer Richard Closius and the detention ward (Ward D) nurse had job requirements they needed to fulfill. The officer needed to get blood drawn from his subject within a time frame. The nurse needed to report to her supervisor for her shift assignment before commencing her shift. Grabbing a registered nurse, who was doing her job, to get her attention was disrespectful. Arresting her contributed to an adverse attitude on the part of some Ward D staff toward police officers. Hollant
• "Although the officer has the greater responsibility in making citizen contacts which inspire respect and generate cooperation, the nurse also had a professional responsibility to an officer who was seeking Ward D services for his subject. Yelling "police brutality"escalated the situation. Hollant
• "The stage for the interaction between a civilian and a police officer is set within seconds of their initial contact. Nonverbal communication is the primary source of connection between a hearing and a deaf person, therefore it is extremely important for the police officer to be polite, professional, unhurried, and to pay close attention to body language, especially facial gestures." Harris Munoz