DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

FUNCTIONS

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

Except in incorporated municipalities, the Department of State Police has statewide jurisdiction. Within municipalities the Department may exercise jurisdiction under certain conditions, as regulated by statute (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-301, 2-302, 2-412). The Department also enforces the laws relating to controlled dangerous substances (narcotics) throughout the State with no jurisdictional limitations (Code 1957, Art. 27, sec. 298(g)).

State Police, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

Formerly the Secretary of State Police was called Superintendent of State Police, and was renamed Secretary of State Police in 1995 (Chapter 3, Acts of 1995; Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-204). 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.

The Secretary of State Police serves on the Governor's Executive Council, and the School Safety Subcabinet, and chairs the Cease Fire Council, the Handgun Roster Board, the State Law Enforcement Coordinating Council, and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

As a member, the Secretary serves on the State Child Fatality Review Team; the Maryland Cybersecurity Coordinating Council; the Maryland Cybersecurity Council; the Governor's Family Violence Council; the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee; the Statewide Interoperability Radio Control Board; the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board; the Commission to Study Mental and Behavioral Health in Maryland; the Council on Open Data; the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission; the State Postmortem Examiners Commission; the Advisory Board on Prescription-Drug Monitoring; the Steering Committee for the Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates as Educators; the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee; the Sexual Offender Advisory Board; the Board of Visitors, R Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee on Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs; and the Commission on Trauma-Informed Care.

Under the Secretary of State Police, the main component of the Department is the Maryland State Police, which is organized into three bureaus: Criminal Investigation; Field Operations; and Support Services. The Department additionally is responsible for operations of the State Fire Marshal. Reporting directly to the Secretary is the Chief of Staff, and assisting the Department are the Law Enforcement Coordinating Council, and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

LAW ENFORCEMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL
In February 2021, the Law Enforcement Coordinating Council was created by the General Assembly in the Department of State Police (Chapter 19, Acts of 2021).

The Council works to prevent and reduce crime by coordinating and focusing State resources, and strengthening interagency communications and intelligence-sharing. A comprehensive crime plan for the State or for regions of the State is to be prepared by the Council, and then revised as needed (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-316, 2-317).

VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION COUNCIL
1100 Baltimore Blvd., Westminster, MD 21157

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 sets priorities for strategies to prevent vehicle theft and recommends legislative action for the same purpose. The Council also 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 has thirteen members. Nine are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor. Four serve ex officio. The Governor names the chair (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-701 through 2-703).

CHIEF OF STAFF

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UNIT
The Government Affairs Office started as the Regulations and Government Affairs Office, and adopted its present name by 2023.

CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SECTION
The Criminal Intelligence Section began as the Criminal Intelligence Division under Support Services. In March 2003, its functions transferred to the Analytical Division of the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau of the Homeland Security Command. In August 2003, the Division became the Analytical Section under the Homeland Security and Intelligence Division. In January 2009, the Section reorganized as the Criminal Intelligence Section and transferred to the Office of Secretary.

Information pertaining to organized crime, narcotics trafficking, auto theft, gang violence, terrorism, violent crimes, hotspots, and other strategic data is collected, analyzed, and disseminated by the Criminal Intelligence Section. Data on parole and probation, controlled dangerous substances violations, and release of inmates also is analyzed by the Section.

Two units are supervised by the Section: Operational and Tactical Analysis; and Strategic Analysis.

OPERATIONAL & TACTICAL ANALYSIS
Operational and Tactical Analysis formed in March 2003 as the Operations Division. The Division reformed in August 2003 as the Operations Section, and later as Operational and Tactical Analysis under the Criminal Intelligence Division.

This unit oversees four offices: Bioterrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction; Domestic and Organized Crime; Homeland Security-Baltimore; and Homeland Security-District of Columbia.

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SECTION
The Executive Protection Section provides security for the State's constitutional officers, that is, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Maryland, and State Treasurer.

LEGISLATIVE SECURITY SECTION
The Legislative Security Section began as Security Services, and adopted its present name in October 2004.

This section provides security to the leaders of the Legislature, the General Assembly (when in session), and legislative committees as required. It reports directly to the Secretary of State Police.

OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PLANNING
The Office of Strategic Planning started as the Management and Finance Division within the Administration Bureau in March 2003. The Division was carved from parts of the Office of Budget, Legislation, and Fiscal Administration, and the Quartermaster Section of the Services Command. In April 2004, the Division reorganized as the Office of Strategic Planning under the Administration Bureau. When the Administration Bureau merged with the Information Technology Bureau to form the Support Services Bureau in October 2004, the Office became a separate entity under the Secretary of State Police. It reorganized as Strategic Planning Command in February 2013 and under its current name by June 2023.

Overseen by the Office of Strategic Planning are three sections: Budget, Grants Management, and Performance Analysis and Special Projects. Also under the Command are two divisions: Finance; and Planning and Research.

BUDGET SECTION
The Budget Section originated as the Office of Budget, Legislation, and Fiscal Administration in January 1997. It later reorganized as the Budget and Finance Division, and reformed as the Budget and Finance Section in March 2003. It later was renamed as the Budget Section.

The Section is responsible for the Department's budget.

INSPECTION & COMPLIANCE DIVISION
The Inspection and Compliance Division conducts inspections, audits, and reviews at the Department's barracks and divisions statewide to ensure compliance with Department standards and policies. The Division also acts as liaison to the Office of Legislative Audits.

PLANNING & RESEARCH DIVISION
In January 1997, the Planning and Research Division reorganized as the Office of Budget, Legislation, and Fiscal Administration. It reformed again as the Planning and Research Division under the Strategic Planning Command in March 2003.

The Division oversees the Records Management and the Resident Trooper Program.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Since October 1, 2017, the Department of State Police has had a program for the continual, economical and efficient management of its records. The Department's Records Officer develops and oversees the program, and serves as liaison to the Records Management Division of the Department of General Services, and to the State Archives (Chapter 539, Acts of 2017; Code State Government Article, secs. 10-608 through 10-611).

RESIDENT TROOPER PROGRAM
As the Local Division within the Maryland State Police, the Resident Trooper Program was established in 1968 (Chapter 502, Acts of 1968).

Intended to provide contractual law enforcement services to counties and municipalities, the Program's first contract was with Carroll County in 1974 for ten troopers. Training, equipment, and other expenses are paid for by the contracting jurisdiction (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-601). Based at the nearest barrack, resident troopers fulfill the policing needs of the local jurisdiction. As of December 2023, for example, the Town of Walkersville has five resident troopers.

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 Public Safety Article, secs. 6-301 through 6-322).

STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION
12 North Jonathan St., Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740 - 4802

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 enforcement of the Fire Code and interpretation of conflicts with local codes.

With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary of State Police appoints the Commission's nine members to five-year terms (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 6-201 through 6-207).

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU

In March 2003, the Criminal Investigation Bureau first organized within the Department as the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau. In October 2004, the Bureau became the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau. In January 2009, the homeland security function transferred to the Office of Secretary, and the Bureau adopted its present name.

The Criminal Investigative Bureau is charged with investigation of violent crime, criminal and drug violations across the State and provides the investigative functions for the Department, in partnership with allied law enforcement agencies.

Preventing and reducing violent crime in Maryland is a key goal of the Maryland State Police and one of the primary strategies to meet this goal is to focus on cross-jurisdictional (county to county) and cross border (state to state) crime. The Maryland State Police, uniquely qualified with state-wide authority and ability to impact crime in Maryland on a much larger scale, has structured its criminal investigative efforts to provide greater response to crime and greater resources to local departments. Using a regional, yet Statewide configuration, the Bureau focus on cross-jurisdictional and cross border crimes capitalizes on its statewide authority to apprehend criminals and dismantle criminal enterprises that are taking advantage of local police departments forced to police within boundaries.

The Bureau command includes the Criminal Enforcement Division, the Forensic Sciences Division, and the Licensing Division.

CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

The Division assists Bureau operations statewide with special technical support. To enforce controlled dangerous substances laws, the Division also provides support and specialized resources to State Police field operations and local law enforcement agencies.

The Criminal Enforcement Division is comprised of special investigative groups that work on criminal enforcement, gang and firearms enforcement, computer crimes, missing children, homicides, fugitive apprehension, vehicle theft, insurance fraud and environmental crimes. The Forensic Sciences Division provides all Maryland law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Maryland with the highest quality and integrity in forensic laboratory analysis and expert testimony. The Licensing Division is responsible for administering the law and conducting investigations concerning the issuance of the Maryland Handgun Qualification License, the registration of Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructors, the sale and transfer of regulated firearms and machine guns, the licensing and regulation of Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealers, the commissioning of Special Police and Railroad Police Officers, the licensing of Private Detectives, Private Detective Agencies, Security Guards and Security Guard Agencies, the licensing of Security Systems Technicians and Security Systems Agencies, the registration of Maryland Law Enforcement K-9 dogs, eavesdropping, wiretapping and electronic listening devices, and the issuance of State of Maryland Wear and Carry Permits.

Division criminal investigative activities involve an array of dedicated and special sections, units, task forces and teams that effectively investigate and solve all facets of crime throughout the state of Maryland and provide direct support and resources to allied agencies when their investigations are both linked to and impacted by crime in other jurisdictions. Troopers routinely collaborate with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to achieve an effective and coordinated drug enforcement strategy. Building relationships with key partners facilitates the exchange of intelligence, avoids duplication of enforcement services and eliminates potential operational conflicts between agencies. Drug enforcement troopers are assigned to multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, investigative support units, drug interdiction units and federal drug initiatives. County Specific Drug Tasks forces target mid- to upper-level drug trafficking organizations operating throughout Maryland as well as providing investigative assistance in the area of drug and vice investigations to MSP barracks and allied police departments.

In partnership with allied law enforcement agencies across the State, the Maryland State Police maintains drug-investigation task forces throughout the State of Maryland.  

STATEWIDE

STATEWIDE REGION 1

AUTO THEFT UNIT
Originally under the Special Investigations Command, the Auto Theft Unit moved to Statewide Region 1 by May 2024. The Unit investigates motor vehicle theft trends, exportation and/or trafficking of stolen vehicles, illegal chop shops, and vehicle insurance fraud. Augmenting existing local auto theft agencies, the Unit investigates the selling of stolen vehicles to scrap yards, and related crimes which occur primarily in the Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan areas and, on occasion, move to bordering jurisdictions and/or outlying states.

Two regional teams make up the Unit: the Baltimore Regional Auto Theft Team (RATT) and the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement team (WAVE).

MARYLAND GUN CENTER
To reduce gun violence statewide, the Maryland Gun Center serves as a 24/7 statewide firearms enforcement unit. It makes available the screening and vetting of every gun case in Maryland to ensure that offenders are systematically held accountable for their crimes.

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS GROUP
The Technical Operations Group originated as the Technical Assistance Unit under the Special Investigations Command. It moved under Statewide Region 1 and received its current name by May 2024.

Technical assistance to the public safety community is provided by the Group, which supports federal, State and local law enforcement agencies. To promote best practices and purchases, the Group creates training materials, and identifies key technologies and legal topics.

STATEWIDE REGION 2

FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT UNIT
The Firearms Enforcement Unit is committed to supporting efforts to reduce gun violence. The Firearms Enforcement Unit consists of sworn Maryland state troopers tasked with working throughout the state to identify those illegally in possession of firearms and who are perpetuating firearm-related violence, as well as infiltrating and dismantling criminal organizations.

MARYLAND STATE APPREHENSION TEAM (MSAT)
The Maryland State Apprehension Team (MSAT) provides investigative services to support the Department's mission of achieving public safety by serving outstanding felony arrest warrants originating from Maryland State Police Barracks across the state. The mission of the MSAT includes serving felony warrants from any state, county or local law enforcement entity seeking assistance from this unique team with state-wide jurisdiction. These teams are responsible for apprehending the most violent offenders in and from the state of Maryland. USMS Regional Fugitive Task Force: MSAT is hosted by the United States Marshal Service Regional Fugitive Task Force giving MSAT troopers special deputation and world-wide reach for fugitives sought by the Department.

STATEWIDE REGION 3

CHILD RECOVERY UNIT
The Child Recovery Unit provides investigative support for the Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons (MCMUP) and coordinates Maryland’s AMBER and Silver Alert systems. The primary focus of the Child Recovery Unit is human trafficking/child prostitution investigations. The Unit is a member of the FBI’s Maryland Child Exploitation Task Force, which is comprised of several Maryland law enforcement agencies focused on missing and abducted children and child prostitution/human trafficking.

DIGITAL FORENSICS LABORATORY (DFL)
The Digital Forensics Laboratory serves the digital forensic needs of the Department of Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and all Department installations, as well as Federal, State, and Local agencies upon request. The Laboratory conducts impartial and objective analyses of digital evidence using the best available tools and procedures, with examiners available to provide expert testimony when needed. Additionally, the Laboratory provides training and technical assistance to prosecutors and law enforcement investigators concerning the seizure, storage, and analysis of digital evidence.

INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN & TASK FORCE COMPUTER CRIMES UNIT
The Computer Crimes Unit conducts thorough investigations into criminal activity facilitated through the use of computers, the Internet, and other areas of high technology, with a focus on the technology-facilitated exploitation of children and provides technical and investigative assistance to other MSP units and allied agencies. Increase Maryland's law enforcement capacity to investigate crimes against children by providing specialized training in investigative techniques. Educate the general public on current issues relating to Internet safety.

MARYLAND CENTER FOR MISSING & UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS
[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, and in 2003 to the Information Technology Bureau. Since October 2004, the Center has been part of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau. In 2009, it was renamed the Maryland Center for Missing & Unidentified Persons.

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 (Code Family Law Article, sec. 9-401 through 9-403).

POLYGRAPH UNIT
The Polygraph Unit supports the Department’s mission by coordinating and providing polygraph and related investigative services to Maryland State Police personnel and to allied law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. This includes pre- employment polygraph testing of police and civilian applicants, criminal investigative polygraph testing, administrative internal polygraph testing to police and correctional officers, and post-conviction sex offender polygraph testing.

STATEWIDE REGION 4

HOMICIDE & COLD CASES
COLD CASE
The Cold Case Unit evaluates, investigates and solves unsolved murders for the MSP and allied departments.

HOMICIDE
The Homicide Unit vigorously investigate homicides, police involved shootings and serious criminal internal investigations in order to bring them to a successful prosecution, thus impacting violent crime rates across Maryland.

EAST/WEST REGION

REGION 1 - WEST

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS GROUP (SOG)
The mission of the MSP Strategic Operations Group (SOG) is to provide overt and covert strategic organized crime investigations, in support of the missions and goals of the Maryland State Police. Through a wide variety of investigative techniques, tactics and procedures, the Group investigators identify, disrupt and dismantle organized crime entities. The Group works in consultation and cooperation with allied public safety agencies to address issues affecting public safety in Maryland and each jurisdiction through an inter-jurisdictional strategy.

REGION 2 - SOUTH

ASSET FORFEITURE UNIT (AFU)
Asset Forfeiture (AFU) conducts statewide financial investigations for all MDSP barracks and MDSP units that involve asset seizures (currency, real estate, vehicles and real property) arising out of violations of Maryland’s drug and gambling laws.

MARIJUANA ERADICATION UNIT
The Marijuana Eradication Unit focus is statewide investigative efforts on the indoor and outdoor manufacturing of marijuana. The Unit provides training to the Department and allied personnel in marijuana eradication investigations.

REGION 3 - NORTH

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
The Attorney General’s Office provides law enforcement investigative and tactical support for various offices encompassing the Attorney General’s Criminal Division. Works in partnership with the dozens of civilian investigators, auditors, and attorneys within the Attorney General’s Criminal Division and various State agencies and performs as a liaison between Attorney General’s Office, MSP and other Federal and local law enforcement agencies.

REGION 4 - EAST

FORENSIC SCIENCES DIVISION

The Forensic Sciences Division originated as the Crime Laboratory Section under the Criminal Investigation Division. The Section was restructured in August 2003 as the Forensic Sciences Division under the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau (later Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau). In October 2004, the Division transferred to the Investigation Command and, in January 2013, was placed directly under the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

For all Maryland law enforcement agencies, the Division documents, collects, preserves, and analyzes physical evidence in criminal cases. To collect evidence, the Division maintains mobile units in each region. The Laboratory routinely analyzes evidence including seized controlled dangerous substances, blood from individuals suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, fire debris associated with suspected arsons, questioned documents, firearms and tool marks, and other physical evidence containing DNA, latent prints, and trace materials.

In 1994, the Statewide DNA Database was established within the Division (Chapter 458, Acts of 1994; Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-501 through 2-512). DNA samples are collected from persons convicted of a felony or misdemeanor burglary, and from persons charged with a crime of violence or burglary or an attempt to commit such a crime. The Division analyzes, classifies, stores, and disposes of DNA samples, with records of testing permanently retained. From the Statewide Database, qualifying DNA profiles then are forwarded to the National DNA Index System maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Other databases the Division participates in are the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN).

At Pikesville, the State Police Crime Laboratory was built in 1985. In March 2006, that building was replaced by the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, also in Pikesville. Two additional regional laboratories in Berlin and Hagerstown along with thirteen crime scene offices located throughout the State support Division work.

The Division's work is carried out by three branches: Administrative Services, Field and Evidence Services, and Laboratory Services.

The Office of the Director consists of the Director, Deputy Director, Assistant Commanders, and Quality Assurance / Safety Manager. This administrative unit is responsible for the overall management of the Division. The Director oversees the management of the entire Division while a Captain oversees the operational logistics of the Division, a Lieutenant oversees the Operational Services Branch, the Deputy Director oversees the Scientific Analysis Branch, and the Quality Assurance / Safety Manager oversees the Administrative Services Branch. The personnel within the Operational Services Branch and the Scientific Analysis Branch provide scientific support services to the criminal justice community.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES BRANCH
The Administrative Services Branch consists of two Units including the Administrative Support Unit and the Data Support Unit.

FIELD & EVIDENCE SERVICE BRANCH
The Field and Evidence Services Branch consists of two Sections comprised of six units including four Crime Scene Units, a Central Receiving Unit, and a Photography Unit.

LABORATORY SERVICE BRANCH
The Laboratory Services Branch consists of four Sections comprised of fourteen units including four Biology Units, five Chemistry Units, three Pattern Evidence Units, and two Trace Evidence Units.

LICENSING DIVISION

The Licensing Division is responsible for administering the law and conducting investigations concerning the issuance of the Maryland Handgun Qualification License, the registration of Maryland Qualified Handgun Instructors, the sale and transfer of regulated firearms and machine guns, the licensing and regulation of Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealers, the commissioning of Special Police and Railroad Police Officers, the licensing of Private Detectives, Private Detective Agencies, Security Guards and Security Guard Agencies, the licensing of Security Systems Technicians and Security Systems Agencies, the registration of Maryland Law Enforcement K-9 dogs, eavesdropping, wiretapping and electronic listening devices, and the issuance of State of Maryland Wear and Carry Permits.

Three sections comprise the Division: Firearms Services Section, Handgun Permits and Compliance Section, and the Professional Licensing Section.

HANDGUN ROSTER BOARD
Within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Handgun Roster Board was created 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. Annually, the Handgun Roster is published in the Maryland Register.

Ten of the Board's eleven members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. They are required to be Maryland residents. The Secretary of State Police serves as chair (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 5-404 through 5-406).

FIREARMS SERVICES SECTION

FIREARMS REGISTRATION UNIT
The Firearms Registration Unit (FRU) began as the Firearms Licensing Section under the Licensing Division. In 1999, it transferred to the Firearms Enforcement Division as the Firearms Registration Section. In March 2003, it moved under the Licensing Division and adopted its current name.

Requests to purchase or transfer regulated firearms are investigated and processed by the Unit within 7-days as legislatively mandated in Public Safety Article 5-123 and 5-124. The Unit receives and processes initial and annual machine gun registrations as set forth in Title 4, Subtitle 4 of the Criminal Law Article. The Unit is the central repository for files and records relating to administration of the regulated firearms law (Title 5, Subtitle 1 of the Public Safety Article).  As the Partial Point of Contact for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the Unit is responsible for conducting the federal NICS background checks for all handgun transactions in Maryland in accordance with the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993. The Unit also operates a Livehelp instant chat service to provide Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealer immediate assistance when required.

HANDGUN QUALIFICATION LICENSE UNIT
The Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Unit was established on October 1, 2013 with the enactment of the Firearms Safety Act of 2013. The Unit is charged with investigating and processing applicant requests for a Handgun Qualification License within the 30-day legislative mandate in accordance with Public Safety Article 5- 117.1. The Unit is also responsible for investigating and processing New Maryland Resident firearm registrations as well as certifying and licensing Qualified Handgun Instructors who are responsible for qualifying students for Handgun Qualification Licenses and Handgun Carry Permits. The Unit investigates complaints against Qualified Handgun Instructors.

HANDGUN PERMIT SECTION
The Handgun Permit and Compliance Section comprises three units, the Handgun Permit Unit, the Administrative Investigations Unit, and the Dealer Inspection Compliance Unit. Each unit serves a unique and essential function in the Licensing Division.

ADMINISTRATIVE INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
The Administrative Investigations Unit (A.I.U.) was created in April of 2003. 

These 12 investigators were assigned the responsibility for conducting or assisting in all investigative functions under the Licensing Division umbrella.  These included background investigations for applicants for handgun permits, Private Detective and Security Guard Agency licenses, Special or Railroad Police certifications, and civilian new-hire investigations.  This unit has since been restructured as a civilian unit, with 2 civilian supervisors and 25 civilian investigators all operating under a single sworn supervisor.

The Administrative Investigations Unit is not specifically responsible for the administration of any section of Maryland law or statute. They are, however, responsible for the investigative steps outlined under the sections of the Public Safety Article, Business Occupations and Professions Article, and COMAR administered by the Handgun Permit Unit, Security Services Unit, and the Police and Security Systems Unit of Licensing Division.

DEALER INSPECTION & COMPLIANCE UNIT
The Dealer Inspection and Compliance Unit began as the Firearms Licensing Section under the Licensing Division. In 1999, it transferred to the Firearms Enforcement Division and adopted its current name. In March 2003, it moved under the Licensing Division. 

The Dealer Inspection and Compliance Unit ensures Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealers are in compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations related to the transfer of regulated firearms. Applicants for a Maryland Regulated Firearms Dealer’s licenses also are investigated by the Section. (Public Safety Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-406).  The Section also conducts compliance inspections with respect to the State of Maryland Security Compliance Regulations

HANDGUN PERMIT UNIT
Maryland Law requires that a person shall have a permit issued under Public Safety Title 5 Subtitle 3, before the person carries, wears, or transports a handgun. All requests for a permit to wear, carry, or transport a handgun are investigated and processed by the Handgun Permit Unit. The Unit is the central repository for files and records relating to administration of the wear and carry permit law (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 5-301 through 5-314).

PROFFESIONAL LICENSING SECTION
Formerly the Licensing Services Section, the Professional Licensing Section comprises three units, the Security Services Unit, the Police and Security Systems Unit, and the Duty Officer’s Unit.  Each unit serves a unique and essential function in the Licensing Division.

The Professional Licensing Section licenses:

Bullet Proof Body Armor Applications (Code Criminal Law Article 4-106 & 4- 107);
Canine unit dogs used by law enforcement agencies (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-313);
Private Detectives and Private Detective Agencies (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 13-101 through 13-801);
  Security Guards and Security Guard Agencies (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 19-101 through 19-701);
Security Systems Agencies and Technicians (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 18-101 through 18-701);
Special Police Commissions & Railroad Police (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 3-301 through 3-415)

FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU

The Field Operations Bureau had organized by 1985. It joined with the former Support Services Bureau in March 2003 to become the Operations Bureau. The Support Services Bureau originated from the Drug Enforcement Bureau and the Special Operations Bureau. In 1995, those bureaus merged to become the Bureau of Drug Enforcement and Special Operations, which reformed as the Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement later that year. In September 1998, that bureau was renamed the Support Services Bureau. After the Operations Bureau formed from the merger of the earlier bureaus, it was renamed the Field Operations Bureau in October 2004.

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

The Bureau operates through the Northern and Southern Commands of the State Police Barracks. Reporting directly to the Bureau Chief also is the Liaison for State Highway Administration Affairs.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS & TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMAND

The Command operates through three divisions: Automotive Safety Enforcement; Commercial Vehicle Enforcement; and Special 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. In March 2003, both divisions were restructured as sections under the Special Operations Division. In August 2003, both moved to the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau, and in October 2004, both transferred to the Field Operations Bureau. In July 2012 it moved to the Special Operations Bureau, and in November 2015, back to the Field Operations Bureau.

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 first organized under the Special Operations Bureau. It transferred to the Field Operations Bureau in 1994 as part of Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations. In 1998, the Comercial Vehicle Enforcement Division formed from that unit, and reorganized as a section under the Special Operations Division in March 2003. The Section moved to the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau in August 2003, and in October 2004, transferred to the Field Operations Bureau as the Commercial Vehichle Enforcement Division. In July 2012, the Division was made part of the Special Operations Bureau. When that bureau disbanded in November 2015, the Division moved back to the Field Operations Bureau.

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). Weight and inspection stations for commercial vehicles statewide are operated by the Division. The Division also enforces laws governing motor fuel tax and fraud resulting from the sale of motor fuels and lubricants (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 10-301 through 10-324; Tax-General Article, secs. 9-101 through 9-337). Within the Division is the Motor Carrier Safety Program and, since 1995, the Gasoline Tax Unit.

The Division is responbible for three main units: Administration, Highway Programs, and Operations.

HIGHWAY PROGRAMS
Highway Programs originated in October 2004, when the Transportation Safety Division organized under the Transportation Safety Command. Later, as the Transportation Safety Section, it joined the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Still later, it reformed as Highway Programs.

Highway Programs is responsible for the Chemical Test for Alcohol Unit, formerly under the Forensic Sciences Division. The Division also oversees the Traffic Operations Section, which directs the Crash Team, Collision Reconstruction Training, the Fatal Accident and Analysis Reporting System, and the Transportation Security Unit. The Crash Team investigates and reconstructs fatal and near-fatal crashes, as well as unusual incidences involving aircraft, trains, police collisions, and shootings involving police.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
The Special Operations Division oversees the K-9 Unit; the Motorcycle Unit; the Proactive Criminal Enforcement Team; and the Special Tactical Assault Team Element and Tactical Medical Team.

Skilled in special tactics, these teams respond to barricade and hostage situations, sniper incidents, rescue operations, and other extraordinary occurrences. In 2003, the Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement Team joined the other teams. Its mission is to patrol Interstate I-95, a primary drug courier route.

Canine teams also are under 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.

MOTORCYCLE UNIT
Within the Special Operations Division, the Motorcycle Unit was initiated in May 1990. The Unit's main function is to manage traffic. It works to alleviate traffic congestion; assist motorists; make homeland security site checks; and provide escort.

STATE POLICE BARRACKS

In October 2004, State Police Barracks was organized into two commands: Eastern and Western. The Eastern Command covered three troops: Eastern, Northern, and Southern, while the Western Command was comprised of three troops: Baltimore Metro, Washington Metro, and Western.

In October 2010, the commands were reorganized. The Northern Command now is responsible for three troops: Central, Northern, and Western. The Southern Command oversees three troops: Eastern, Southern, and Washington Metro.

SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU

The Support Services Bureau formed in 1998. Abolished in March 2003, its functions transferred to the Operations Bureau. Upon the merger of the Administration Bureau with the Information Technology Bureau in October 2004, the Bureau became responsible for these functions as well.

In 1985, the Administration Bureau started as the Logistical Services Bureau. Renamed in 1987 as the Services Bureau and as the Administrative Services Bureau in 1993, it became the Administration Bureau in March 2003. The Information Technology Bureau was established as the Information Technology and Communications Bureau in August 2001. It was restructured as the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003.

The Support Services Bureau provides the materials and services needed for the Department and allied Maryland law enforcement agencies to perform their work. To ensure efficient information collection, and communications, the Bureau implements technological changes and manages the Department's information technology and communications systems.

Under the Bureau are four commands: Aviation; Logistics; Personnel; and Technology and Information Management.

AVIATION COMMAND

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

LOGISTICS COMMAND

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Formed as the Capital Improvements Division, this division reformed as the Facilities Management Division in 1992, and the Facilities Management Section in 2003. It adopted its current name in October 2004.

The Division submits requests for capital fund projects as directed by the Secretary of State Police. The Section 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
In March 2003, the Motor Vehicle Division was renamed the Motor Vehicle Section. It resumed using its original name in October 2004.

The 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, became the Quartermaster Division in 1994, and the Quartermaster Section in 2003. The Section transferred to the Logistics Command as the Quartermaster Division in October 2004.

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.

PERSONNEL COMMAND

The Command is responsible for three divisions: Education and Training; Human Resources; and Promotional Testing. In addition, it oversees the Administrative Hearing Section and the Department Prosecutor Section.

EDUCATION & TRAINING DIVISION
Public Safety Education & Training Center, 6852 Fourth St., Sykesville, MD 21784

The Education and Training Division began as the Education and Training Section, and was renamed the Training Division in October 2004. In July 2007, the Training Division and the Police Adademy Division combined to form the Education and Training Division.

Department training programs, including curricula development, and in-service and specialized training are administered by the Division. For trooper candidates, entry-level training 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.

HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
In March 2003, the Human Resources Division was fashioned within the Administration Bureau from components of the Education and Career Development Command, the Personnel Command, and the Services Command. The Division transferred to the Personnel Command of the Support Services Bureau in October 2004.

The Division oversees the Employment Services Section, the Personnel Administration Section, and the Medical Unit.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SECTION
The Employment Services Section began as the Personnel Management Division. Renamed the Human Resources Division in 1997, it became the Personnel Section in March 2003. In October 2004, it reformed under the Human Resources Division of the Personnel Command.

Personnel are recruited and hired by the Section, which also maintains personnel records. Agency disciplinary and grievance hearings are scheduled by the Section, which represents the Department in personnel matters, and oversees the health of Department employees.

TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

The Command oversees six divisions: Administrative Operations; Applications Management; Central Records; Electronic Services; Information Technology; and Police Communications Support.

APPLICATIONS MANAGEMENT DIVISION

CENTRAL RECORDS DIVISION
In 1941, the Central Records Division originated as the Traffic Collision Statistical Bureau. The Bureau was renamed the Central Accident Records Division in 1953, and received its present name in 1990. Formerly under the Administrative Services Bureau, the Division transferred to the Information Technology and Communications Bureau in August 2001, and the Information Technology Bureau in 2003. From October 2004 to August 2012, the Division functioned under the Records Command. In August 2012, the Division moved to the Technology Information Management Command.

Statistics and data from reports of traffic accidents investigated by Maryland law enforcement agencies are collected and analyzed by the Division (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-306). 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 (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-307).

The Division works through three sections: Accident Reporting, Field Liaison, and Incident Reporting.

ELECTRONIC SERVICES DIVISION
In 1935, the Electronic Services Division started as the Communications Bureau. By 1979, many of its functions had been assigned to the Electronic Services Division. The Bureau was renamed the Communications Services Division in 1992 when the Electronic Services Division consolidated with the Telecommunications Division. In August 2001, the Division transferred to the Information Technology and Communications Bureau as the Electronic Systems Division. It became part of the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003, and in October 2004 joined the Logistics Command of the Support Services Bureau. In February 2009, the Division was placed under the Office of Technology Management. As the Electronic Services Division, it transferred to the Technology and Information Management Command in August 2012.

The Division provides technical logistical support to Department operations by installing, maintaining, and repairing multiple electronic systems, such as multi-band radio communcations systems, barrack communication consoles and voice-logging recorders, in-car video recording systems, federal and statewide interoperable communications systems, and statewide microwave and fiber optic systems. Also, the Division installs and repairs mobile computer systems in state police vehicles; certifies radar units; and provides technical support to the mobile fleet command.

Under the Division are three sections: Electronics, Mobile Systems, and Radar/Laser.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
In August 2001, the Information Technology Development Division formed. It became part of the Management Information Systems Division within the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003, and reverted to its original name in August 2003. The Division functioned under the Logistics Command of the Support Services Bureau from October 2004 to February 2009, when it transferred to the Office of Technology Management. In August 2012, it moved under the Technology and Information Management Command.

Information technology systems for the Department are developed and managed by the Division. Also, the Division is responsible for personal computers, fixed function terminals, mobile data computers, personal data assistants, and any forms of source data collection or automation.

The Division works through two sections: Communications Services, and Network Services.

POLICE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT DIVISION
In April 2013, the Police Communications Support Division formed.

The Division manages the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems, a national switching system that for the purpose of law enforcement gives states access to other states' data on motor vehicles. Canada also participates in the Systems. The Division also manages the State component of the National Crime Information Center; and the Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System, which delivers data to a national information network for law enforcement and criminal justice personnel throughout the country.

Under the Division is the Regional Automated Property Information Database (RAPID). To ensure that all automotive dismantlers, recyclers, and scrap processors report as required by law, the Division holds training sessions and conducts audits. In 2013 alone, the use of RAPID led to the recovery of $5.1 million of stolen property and 3,924 arrests.

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