Investigation

Once a case is assigned for investigation, the Investigator will conduct an impartial investigation to determine the facts through interviewing witnesses, gathering and analyzing documents, conducting on-site visits and, if necessary, conducting fact finding conferences (click for more information on the fact finding conference).

Note: For deaf and hard of hearing individuals as well as those with limited English proficiency, MCCR provides Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services free of charge to you upon request. MCCR will also assist with securing an interpreter free of charge if one is requested in advance of your appointment with MCCR.

After completing an investigation, the Investigator will draft a written finding, which will clearly state the positions of the Complainant and Respondent relative to the allegations made in the complaint, and identify the results of the investigation.[1]

If the Investigator finds that based on the gathered evidence it appears that there is Probable Cause to believe that the Complainant was discriminated against, the Investigator will take the necessary steps to resolve the matter.[2] MCCR 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. However, if conciliatory efforts fail, the case will be forwarded to the Commission’s Office of the General Counsel. You can find out more about the legal services offered by the Office of the General Counsel by clicking here.

If the Investigator finds that based on the submitted evidence that there is No Probable Cause to believe that the Complainant was discriminated against, a written finding of No Probable Cause will be issued and the case will be subsequently dismissed. [3] The Complainant then will have 15 days to file a written Request for Reconsideration to the Commission’s Deputy Director.[4] Once the Deputy Director has reviewed the Complainant’s request, a decision will be made to either uphold the finding issued by the Investigator or remand the case back to the Investigator for further investigation.

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[1] COMAR 14.03.01.08A
[2] COMAR 14.03.01.09A
[3] COMAR 14.03.01.08(B)(4)
[4] COMAR 14.03.01.08C