Maryland state regulations dictate that records revealing public actions such as court documents, police arrest records, marriage licenses, traffic transgressions and more are open and available for the public, largely because of the Maryland Public Information Act. All crucial facts about the multitude of happenings of law enforcement, municipal courts, and local government are contained in these records, and are presumed public unless formally redacted. Residents of Mitchellville are able to better recognize their rights because of these laws, and the transparency available from the release of these records maintains both criminals and regulators culpable for their actions, subsequently leading to a more open and free society for all.