(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b) “Administratively charged” means that a police officer has been formally accused of misconduct in an administrative proceeding.
(c) “Disciplinary matrix” means a written, consistent, progressive, and transparent tool or rubric that provides ranges of disciplinary actions for different types of misconduct.
(d) “Exonerated” means that a police officer acted in accordance with the law and agency policy.
(e) “Law enforcement agency” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of this title.
(f) “Not administratively charged” means that a determination has been made not to administratively charge a police officer in connection with alleged misconduct.
(g) “Police misconduct” means a pattern, a practice, or conduct by a police officer or law enforcement agency that includes:
(1) depriving persons of rights protected by the constitution or laws of the State or the United States;
(2) a violation of a criminal statute; and
(3) a violation of law enforcement agency standards and policies.
(h) “Police officer” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of this title.
(i) “Serious physical injury” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of the Criminal Law Article.
(j) “Superior governmental authority” means the governing body that oversees a law enforcement agency.
(k) “Unfounded” means that the allegations against a police officer are not supported by fact.