Investigation

 

The Case Processing Division provides intake, investigation, mediation and processing services for the complaints filed with MCHR in housing, public accommodations and employment. The Division provides those services through an Intake Unit and four Investigative Units. One of the Investigative Units, Field Operations, has full service offices in Easton, Hagerstown, Leonardtown, and Salisbury.

The Division receives complaints directly from individuals who believe they have been victims of unlawful discrimination and also processes cases for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

 

The Case Processing Department carries out its responsibility of enforcing Title 20 of the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland (Title 20) by:

        Investigating complaints of discrimination. Staff conducts impartial investigations
        to ascertain the facts through interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing
        documents, conducting on-site visits and conducting fact finding conferences as
        needed. After completing an investigation, staff drafts a written finding.   

      Conciliating complaints where staff has determined that there is probable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred. Staff is responsible for making a good faith effort to conciliate these matters. Conciliation efforts focus on bringing the discriminatory practice/policy into compliance with the law and providing full remedy and relief for the complainant.        

      Coordinating with local and federal agencies to process complaints of discrimination to avoid duplication of services.

      Consulting with legal counsel, public and private employers, owners, managers, public officials, real estate brokers, personnel managers and others to explain and interpret Title 20.           

Maintaining contacts with advocacy groups. Numerous meetings are held with local organizations such as the Business and Professional Women, St. Mary's County Women's Center, Calvert County Commission for Women, NAACP Chapters, and Commission for the Disabled.

 

 

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