DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of State Police serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary may name a deputy secretary with the approval of the Governor (Code 1957, Art. 88B, secs. 14, 16). Formerly called Superintendent of State Police, the Secretary received the present title in 1995 (Chapter 3, Acts of 1995).

Department of State Police, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland, July 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

CEASE FIRE COUNCIL
On October 1, 2000, the Cease Fire Council formed within the Department of State Police (Chapter 2, Acts of 2000). The Council administers the Cease Fire Council Grant Program to support innovative and collaborative initiatives to reduce firearms violence.

Eleven members serve on the Council. Seven are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor. Four serve ex officio. The Secretary of State Police chairs the Council (Code 1957, Art. 88B, sec. 81).

EXPLOSIVES ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Explosives Advisory Council organized in 1984 within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Chapter 694, Acts of 1984). On July 1, 1997, the Council transferred to the Department of State Police (Chapter 352, Acts of 1997). The Council recommends rules and regulations to the Department for the storage, use, manufacture, and transport of explosive material. The Council reviews proposed rules, regulations, and laws that affect the manufacture, use, or distribution of explosives. It also monitors federal regulations, and developments in the explosives industry, such as safety precautions and blasting techniques.

The Council may have up to nineteen members. They are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor, who names the chair and vice-chair (Code 1957, Art. 88B, sec. 30A).

VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION COUNCIL
1125 National Highway
LaVale, MD 21505

In 1994, the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council was created within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Chapter 459, Acts of 1994). On June 1, 1997, the Council joined the Department of State Police (Chapter 434, Acts of 1997). The Council raises funds for deposit in the Vehicle Theft Prevention Fund from which the Council makes awards and grants for motor vehicle theft intervention programs. The Council also sets priorities for strategies to prevent vehicle theft and recommends legislative action for the same purpose.

The Council has thirteen members. Nine are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor. Four serve ex officio. The Governor names the chair. Authorization for the Council expires July 1, 2003 (Code 1957, Art. 88B, secs. 71-75).

OFFICE OF BUDGET, LEGISLATION, & FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
The Office of Budget, Legislation, and Fiscal Administration oversees the Budget and Finance Division, the Handgun Roster Board, and three units: Capital Project; Government Affairs; and Management Analysis.

RESIDENT TROOPER PROGRAM
The Resident Trooper Program was first the State Police Local Subdivisions Section and received its present name in 1990. To local governments in Maryland, the Program provides police services on contract. By these agreements, the Department of State Police assumes responsibility for all or a portion of a local police force for a county or municipality (Code 1957, Art. 88B, sec. 63). In addition, the Secretary of State Police administers the State Aid for Police Protection Fund (Code 1957, Art. 15A, secs. 35-39).

HANDGUN ROSTER BOARD
The Handgun Roster Board formed in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1988 (Chapter 533, Acts of 1988). In 1995, the Board became part of the Department of State Police (Chapter 3, Acts of 1995).

In Maryland, it is illegal to sell or offer for sale a handgun manufactured after January 1, 1985, that is not on the Handgun Roster. The Board compiles, maintains, and publishes the Handgun Roster, which lists those handguns which may be offered for sale in Maryland since January 1, 1985. Semiannually, the Handgun Roster is published in the Maryland Register.

The Board's eleven members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Secretary of State Police serves as chair (Code 1957, Art. 27, secs. 36F, 36I, 36J).

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Office of Professional Responsibility originated as the Office of Policy, Strategy, and Information Management. It reorganized under its present name in July 2000. The Office oversees the Internal Affairs Unit, Office of Fair Practice, and the Staff Inspection Unit.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL

In 1894, the office of State Fire Marshal was created (Chapter 248, Acts of 1894). Duties of the office were assumed ex officio by the Insurance Commissioner in 1916 (Chapter 521, Acts of 1916). The Office of State Fire Marshal took on these responsibilities in 1964 (Chapter 46, Acts of 1964). The State Fire Marshal and the State Fire Prevention Commission became part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1970. Both transferred to the Department of State Police on July 1, 1997 (Chapter 352, Acts of 1997).

To prevent deaths, injuries, and property damage due to fires, the State Fire Marshal's office inspects buildings for fire safety, investigates arsons, and provides instruction on fire safety. Manufacturers, dealers, and users of explosives are regulated by the State Fire Marshal, who also issues permits for fireworks displays, and operates a bomb squad unit.

Maryland laws dealing with fire prevention, electrical safety, and the storage, sale, and use of explosives and combustibles are enforced by the State Fire Marshal. State laws on installation and maintenance of fire detection and control equipment, fire exits in public buildings, and suppression of arson also are enforced by the State Fire Marshal.

The Secretary of State Police appoints the State Fire Marshal to a six-year term (Code 1957, Art. 38A).

STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION
33 West Washington St., Room 305
Hagerstown, MD 21740

The State Fire Prevention Commission organized in 1964 (Chapter 46, Acts of 1964). Formerly within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission moved to the Department of State Police on July 1, 1997 (Chapter 352, Acts of 1997). Regulations for the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion are promulgated by the Commission. It also serves as a board of appeals for matters connected with the enforcement of the Fire Code and interpretation of conflicts with local codes.

The Commission has nine members appointed for five-year terms by the Secretary of State Police with the approval of the Governor (Code 1957, Art. 38A, secs. 1-6A).

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BUREAU

In 1985, the Administrative Services Bureau started as the Logistical Services Bureau. Renamed the Services Bureau in 1987, it adopted its current name in 1993.

The Bureau provides the materials and services needed for the Department and allied Maryland law enforcement agencies to perform their mandated functions.

Under the Bureau are three commands: Education and Career Development; Personnel; and Services.

EDUCATION & CAREER DEVELOPMENT COMMAND

MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL COMMUNITY POLICING INSTITUTE
Since 1997, the Maryland State Police has been a partner in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Community Policing Institute. Prior to its establishment, Maryland led the way in community policing initiatives with the creation of the Maryland Community Policing Academy in November 1995. The Academy is now a program under the Institute.

TRAINING DIVISION
The Training Division administers Department training programs, including curricula development and entry-level, in-service and specialized training. Entry-level training for trooper candidates is conducted at Department headquarters where a resident-training program is held over a 24-week period. Upon graduation, a trooper probationer is partnered with an experienced trooper for two to six more months to further develop job skills.

PERSONNEL COMMAND

HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
The Human Resources Division began as the Personnel Management Division. It was renamed Human Resources Division in 1997. The Division hires and recruits personnel and maintains personnel records. The Division schedules agency disciplinary and grievance hearings; represents the Department in personnel matters; and oversees the health of Department employees.

SERVICES COMMAND

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Formed as the Capital Improvements Division, the Facilities Management Division adopted its present name in 1992. The Division submits requests for capital fund projects as directed by the Secretary of State Police. The Division cooperates with the Department of General Services regarding buildings and projects of agency interest, and coordinates maintenance and repair of facilities of the Department of State Police.

MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION
The Motor Vehicle Division repairs, maintains, and disposes of the motor vehicles of the Department. The Division also prepares and maintains equipment specifications and standards of performance for the motor vehicle fleet.

QUARTERMASTER DIVISION
The Quartermaster Division began as the Supply Division and received its present name in 1994. The Division procures materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to operate the Department. Within the Division, the Department Property Unit controls the storage and disposition of property held by the Department.

FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU

The Field Operations Bureau organized by 1985. The Bureau protects life and property in Maryland by detecting and preventing crime and making road travel safe. It is responsible for traffic program planning and administers twenty-three field installations (barracks) in Maryland.

Under the Bureau are Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE); Fatal Accident Reporting System; State Aid for Police Protection Program; and State Highway Administration Affairs. The Bureau also encompasses two main units: Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations, and the State Police Barracks.

REGIONAL FAMILY VIOLENCE UNIT
Established in September 1997, the Regional Family Violence Unit provides a coordinated response to domestic violence in rural parts of the State. The Unit assists victims of domestic violence in obtaining ex parte orders and warrants, and otherwise navigating the court system.

MOTOR CARRIER & AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY OPERATIONS

AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
In 1997, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division organized from a merger of the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Under the Special Operations Bureau, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division formed in 1977 to license motor vehicle inspection stations (Chapter 14, Acts of 1977). The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division also first organized under the Special Operations Bureau. Both Divisions transferred to the Field Operations Bureau in 1994 to form Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations. In 1998, the unit reorganized as two divisions: Automotive Safety Enforcement, and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.

The Automotive Safety Enforcement Division licenses motor vehicle inspection stations. This involves initial certification, routine inspections, investigation of complaints, and revocations. The Division also processes all safety equipment repair orders issued by police agencies to ensure compliance or vehicle registration suspension (Code Transportation Article, sec. 23-102).

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division enforces the Motor Vehicle Code as it relates to size, weight, and load of commercial vehicles (Code Transportation Article, secs. 24-101, 24-112). The Division also enforces laws governing motor fuel tax and fraud resulting from the sale of motor fuels and lubricants (Code 1957, Art. 56, secs. 135-157; Art. 27, secs. 231-233). Within the Division is the Motor Carrier Safety Program and, since 1995, the Gasoline Tax Unit.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
The Special Operations Division originated as the Emergency Operations Section. It reorganized as the Special Operations Division in 1997, and moved under the Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations Command in 1999. The Division includes the Community Policing Unit (Violent Crime Police Strike Force), the Motorcycle Unit, the Special Tactical Assault Team Element, and the Hostage Recovery Team, and the Underwater Recovery Team. Skilled in special tactics, these teams respond to barricade and hostage situations, sniper incidents, rescue operations, and other extraordinary occurrences.

Canine teams also are used by the Division. A canine team consists of a dog trained to perform police support functions and the police offficer to whom the dog is assigned. Throughout the State, canine teams prevent and detect crime. All teams are trained in basic police procedures, and some in detecting explosive substances, narcotics, and firearms. Bloodhounds also are used to search for lost or fugitive persons.

COMMUNITY POLICING UNIT
In June 1993, the Governor created the Maryland State Police Strike Force (Executive Order 01.01.1993.17). By 1994, the Force was known as Operation People. This unit, formerly assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Division, transferred to the Emergency Operations Section in 1996, which was renamed the Special Operations Division in 1997. The Unit reorganized as the Community Policing Unit in 1999.

Assigned to high crime areas, the Community Policing Unit may enforce the law in all areas of the State, including incorporated municipalities that have police forces.

MOTORCYCLE UNIT
The Motorcycle Unit was initiated in May 1990. The Unit's main function is to manage traffic.

TRAFFIC OPERATIONS SECTION
The Traffic Operations Section formed in 1997 to coordinate and manage traffic-related activities of the Maryland State Police. It trains and certifies police officers to recognize drug- and alcohol-impaired drivers; sets up sobriety checkpoints; and targets underage drinking drivers. It also trains police officers in effective highway interdiction techniques for drugs, untaxed liquor, and handguns. In addition, the Section trains and certifies operators of chemical breath-testing instruments and maintains those instruments statewide.

The Fatal Accident Reporting System is overseen by the Section. The System maintains statistics on fatal accidents occurring on Maryland highways. The Section's Crash Team also investigates and reconstructs fatal and near-fatal crashes, as well as unusual incidences involving aircraft, trains, police collisions, and shootings involving police.

STATE POLICE BARRACKS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

Under the Bureau are four divisions: Central Records; Electronic Systems; Information Technology Development; and Technology Management.

CENTRAL RECORDS DIVISION

Statistics and data from reports of traffic accidents investigated by Maryland law enforcement agencies are collected and analyzed by the Division. The Division also provides aggregate accident data to the State Highway Administration and police agencies and maintains records of all motor vehicle law violations through citation control. Individuals may request to see their own records. Through Maryland Uniform Crime Reporting, the Division collects crime data from all Maryland police departments and produces quarterly and annual crime reports for law enforcement agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION

The Division maintains telephone, radio and other communication equipment for the Department and allied local, State and federal agencies. The Division also manages the Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System and the State component of the National Crime Information Center and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems. The Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System delivers data to a national information network for law enforcement and criminal justice personnel throughout the country. The National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems is a national switching system that for the purpose of law enforcement gives states access to other states' data on motor vehicles. Canada also participates.

Under the Division are five sections: Electronic Communications; Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (MILES) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC); Networks and Communications Services; Security and Privacy; and Telecommunications.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

The Division works through five sections: Applications Re-engineering and Maintenance; Incident Management; Information Systems; Mobile Systems; and Transportation Systems Liaison.

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Four sections comprise the Division: Budget, Procurement and eGovernment; Change Management and Training; Policy and Procedures; and Project Management and Standards.

SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU

The Support Services Bureau originated from the Drug Enforcement Bureau and the Special Operations Bureau. In 1995, those bureaus merged to form the Bureau of Drug Enforcement and Special Operations which became the Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement later that year. In September 1998, it was renamed the Support Services Bureau.

For the Department and Maryland allied police agencies, the Bureau provides investigations and certain specialized law enforcement statewide.

Under the Bureau are two commands: Criminal Enforcement, and Drug Enforcement. The Bureau also supervises the Aviation Division, the Crime Laboratory Division, the Executive Protection Unit, and Security Services.

AVIATION DIVISION
The Aviation Division started in 1961. Throughout Maryland, twenty-four hours a day, the Division transports critically injured citizens to trauma centers within the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System. The Division also provides aerial support for the Department and allied public safety agencies. At times of disaster and civil disturbance, the Division conducts search and rescue operations, and aids criminal investigation and traffic control.

For all Maryland law enforcement agencies, the Crime Laboratory Division collects, preserves, and analyzes physical evidence in criminal cases. To collect evidence, the Division maintains mobile units in each region. It analyzes controlled dangerous substances, blood alcohol, arson propellants, questioned documents, and other physical evidence. A central DNA repository also is kept.

The Crime Laboratory was built in 1985 at Pikesville. Two regional laboratories, in Berlin and Hagerstown, also support Division work.

State Police Crime Laboratory, Building K, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland, July 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
In 1962, the Criminal Intelligence Division began as the Intelligence Division. Under the Special Operations Bureau, it received its present name in 1990. The Division was placed under the Office of the Secretary in 1995, and moved to the Support Services Bureau in 1998.

The Division collects, analyzes, and disseminates information pertaining to organized crime, narcotics trafficking, auto theft, gang violence, terrorism, violent crimes, hotspots, and other strategic data. Also, it analyzes data on parole and probation, controlled dangerous substances violations, and release of inmates.

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION UNIT
The Executive Protection Unit provides security for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Maryland, and State Treasurer.

SECURITY SERVICES
Security Services provides security to the leaders of the Legislature, the General Assembly (when in session), and legislative committees as required.

CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT COMMAND

Four divisions come under the Command: Firearms Enforcement; Licensing; Special Investigative Services; and Technical Investigative Services.

FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Firearms Enforcement Division began in 1999 within the Criminal Enforcement Command. The Division investigates violations of Maryland's gun laws. Two sections are overseen by the Division: Crime Gun Enforcement, and Firearms Registration.

CRIME GUN ENFORCEMENT SECTION
[OFFICE OF CRIME GUN ENFORCEMENT]
Within the Department of State Police, the Office of Crime Gun Enforcement was created by the Governor in July 1998 (Executive Order 01.01.1998.20). The Office coordinates State law enforcement efforts to submit guns recovered from crime scenes to the federal government for tracing.

Under the Office are the Enhanced Gun Offender Sentencing Program and two units: Crime Gun Violence Analysis; and Firearms Investigation

FIREARMS INVESTIGATION UNIT
The Firearms Investigation Unit started within the Criminal Investigation Division in 1995. Later that year, it joined the Special Investigations Support Section (now Special Investigative Services). In 1999, it moved to the Firearms Enforcement Division, and in 2000 was placed under the Office of Crime Gun Enforcement.

To reduce the availability of firearms to criminals, the Section initiated Operation Cease Fire. Investigations focus on the illegal sale, transport, possession, and use of firearms. Section work is coordinated with other state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

FIREARMS REGISTRATION SECTION
The Firearms Registration Section began as the Firearms Licensing Section under the Licensing Division. In 1999, it transferred to the Firearms Enforcement Division and adopted its current name.

The Section investigates and processes requests to purchase or transfer regulated firearms. It also investigates applicants for a regulated firearms dealer's license. The Section is the central repository for files and records relating to administration of the regulated firearms law.

LICENSING DIVISION
The Licensing Division administers laws and conducts investigations concerning the sale, transfer, and registration of handguns, shotguns, rifles, machine guns, and electronic listening devices. It licenses private detectives, security guards, and canine unit dogs used by law enforcement agencies. The Division also regulates firearms dealers; investigates applicants for special police commissions; and issues permits for outdoor music festivals.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
Special Investigative Services began as the Special Investigations Support Section and received its present name in 1996. Under Special Investigative Services are five units: Attorney General's; Environmental Crimes; Auto Theft; Insurance Fraud; and Special Investigations and Support.

TECHNICAL INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
Technical Investigative Services formed as the Support Services Section to aid the work of the Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement. The Section reorganized under its present name in 1996.

Technical Investigative Services includes Asset Forfeiture; the Computer Crimes Unit; Drug Diversion, Drug Interdiction; Marijuana Eradication; Violent Fugitive Task Force; Warrants; and polygraph coordination. Technical Investigative Services also supervises Department personnel assigned to federally funded High-Intensity Drug-Trafficking Area (HIDTA) programs.

MARYLAND CENTER FOR MISSING CHILDREN
[STATE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR MISSING CHILDREN]
The Maryland Center for Missing Children was established as the State Clearinghouse for Missing Children within the Investigation Division of the Special Operations Bureau in 1985 (Chapter 496, Acts of 1985). The Center in 1989 transferred to the Intelligence Division, now the Criminal Intelligence Division. In 1998, it moved to the Support Services Bureau.

The Center gathers and distributes general information and annual statistics regarding missing children. It coordinates its work with law enforcement agencies and persons or groups concerned with children who have disappeared from or are thought to be in Maryland. For parents and law enforcement agencies, the Center creates posters identifying missing children. These are distributed in areas where the child might be recognized.

DRUG ENFORCEMENT COMMAND

Under the Command are the Drug Investigative Services and regional drug task forces.

DRUG INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
Drug Investigative Services includes the Marijuana Eradication Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, as well as several cooperative interagency initiatives stemming from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. These include the Mass Transportation Group; the Major Drug Traffickers Initiative; the Delivery System Parcel Interdiction Initiative; the Violent Traffickers Initiative; and Baltimore Safe Streets. In addition, Drug Investigative Services works with the U. S. Secret Service on the Metro Fraud Task Force, combatting money laundering operations and other forms of financial fraud.

NORTHERN & EASTERN REGION DIVISION
On the Eastern Shore and in the northern counties of Baltimore, Cecil and Harford, the Northern and Eastern Region Division coordinates investigations. It works with local law enforcement agencies and the Field Operations Bureau on community policing to pinpoint and alleviate local crime.

SOUTHERN, CENTRAL & WESTERN REGION DIVISION
The Southern, Central and Western Region Division coordinates investigations in the southern counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's; the central counties of Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's; and the western counties of Allegany, Garrett and Washington. It works with local law enforcement agencies and the Field Operations Bureau on community policing to pinpoint and alleviate local crime.

Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance

Maryland Manual On-Line

Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us