Maryland § 4-351

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 4-351, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-351.

    (a)    Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, a custodian may deny inspection of:

        (1)    records of investigations conducted by the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney, a municipal or county attorney, a police department, or a sheriff;

        (2)    an investigatory file compiled for any other law enforcement, judicial, correctional, or prosecution purpose;

        (3)    records that contain intelligence information or security procedures of the Attorney General, a State’s Attorney, a municipal or county attorney, a police department, a State or local correctional facility, or a sheriff; or

        (4)    records, other than a record of a technical infraction, relating to an administrative or criminal investigation of misconduct by a police officer, including an internal affairs investigatory record, a hearing record, a record of positive community feedback, and records relating to a disciplinary decision.

    (b)    A custodian may deny inspection by a person in interest only to the extent that the inspection would:

        (1)    interfere with a valid and proper law enforcement proceeding;

        (2)    deprive another person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;

        (3)    constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

        (4)    disclose the identity of a confidential source;

        (5)    disclose an investigative technique or procedure;

        (6)    prejudice an investigation; or

        (7)    endanger the life or physical safety of an individual.

    (c)    A custodian shall allow inspection of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section by:

        (1)    the United States Attorney;

        (2)    the Attorney General;

        (3)    the State Prosecutor; or

        (4)    the State’s Attorney for the jurisdiction relevant to the record.

    (d)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a custodian:

        (1)    shall redact the portions of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section to the extent that the record reflects:

            (i)    medical information of the person in interest;

            (ii)    personal contact information of the person in interest or a witness; or

            (iii)    information relating to the family of the person in interest; and

        (2)    may redact the portion of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section to the extent that the record reflects witness information other than personal contact information.

    (e)    A custodian shall notify the person in interest of a record described in subsection (a)(4) of this section when the record is inspected, but may not disclose the identity of the requestor to the person in interest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 4-351

What does Maryland Code § 4-351 cover?

Section 4-351 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 4-351?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 4-351" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 4-351 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.