Over the past decade, the Silver Spring Police Department has faced several incidents involving officer misconduct. Notably, in January 2020, two officers were disciplined for their treatment of a 5-year-old child who had wandered from school. In July 2019, an officer was convicted of second-degree assault for using excessive force during an arrest. The department has also faced lawsuits resulting in settlements, including a $275,000 settlement in 2022 related to the 2020 incident involving the child. These cases have prompted discussions on police accountability and the need for improved training and oversight within the department.