• Program Compliance Officer Larry Ennels discusses wage classifications with contractors and employees.

    Program Compliance Officer Larry Ennels discusses wage classifications with contractors and employees.

  • The Community Relations Commission holds their monthly meeting.

    The Community Relations Commission holds their monthly meeting.

  • Dr. Lawrence Brown discusses the history of housing discrimination at the “Can We Talk?” event.

    Dr. Lawrence Brown discusses the history of housing discrimination at the “Can We Talk?” event.

The Office of Civil Rights and Wage Enforcement is a city agency devoted to upholding the federal and local civil rights laws, as well as the local minimum, living, and prevailing wage laws. The overarching mission of the Office of Civil Rights is to carry out activities to eliminate discrimination and protect individuals' civil rights. There are three commissions, and one board housed in the Office of Civil Rights and Wage Enforcement: the Community Relations Commission, the Mayor's Commission on Disabilities, the Wage Commission, and the Civilian Review Board.

Our Vision

 Justice through L.O.V.E. (Leadership, Outreach, Vigilance, and Equity), and the other name for love is understanding.  

Our Responsibilities

  • To enforce civil rights laws in Baltimore City.
  • To act as community liaisons for civil rights issues in Baltimore City.
  • To investigate claims of discrimination, wage theft, police misconduct and failure to comply with accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
  • To move the conversation forward on civil rights and respond to community needs.

What We Do

  • The Community Relations Commission investigates claims of discrimination in employment, public accommodation, housing, education, and health and welfare services, and assists people who have been discriminated against by enforcing the laws that protect them.
  • The Civilian Review Board investigates claims of police misconduct (specifically, allegations of excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment, harassment and abusive language) and makes recommendations to law enforcement agency heads about discipline.
  • The Wage Commission investigates claims of wage theft and violations of the City’s Living and Prevailing Wage laws.
  • The Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities assists City agencies with compliance with ADA laws, connects constituents to disabilities resources, and works to remove barriers and promote equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.