Ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability

How we serve Marylanders

• Ensure proper care and humane treatment of incarcerated individuals, detained, and or adjudicated youth in Maryland
• Give youth and adults a voice and new recourse of action for issues that arise during their incarceration
• Provide evidence-based, fair and impartial oversight

Learn about our role

File a complaint

Values

OCO emphasizes the importance of collaboration among the agencies we oversee, the individuals in their care, and the staff working within them. We also value the strength of our community partnerships and prioritize the reduction of recidivism and the safety of all Maryland residents.

Accomplishments

OCO has been diligently working to achieve the objectives outlined in the December 2024 report, which includes the establishment of the agency. After integrating the JJMU into OCO, we successfully formed the Juvenile Oversight Division (JOD), Correctional Oversight Division (COD), Data and Technology Division, and Intake Division. 

Corrections

OCO has effectively visited and familiarized itself with all facilities in the Jessup Region. We have been welcomed by incarcerated individuals (IIs) and have built a collaborative working relationship with leadership, creating opportunities for change and influence. OCO has established a presence in facilities in the Western, Eastern, and Baltimore regions. 

Juvenile

OCO has effectively systematized its data relating to complaints. The OCO is now current with its reporting requirements and has enhanced its oversight capabilities.