SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUREAU
Gary E. Moore, Chief
653-4214

The Special Operations Bureau performs spe-
cialized investigation functions, specific industry
regulatory activities, and certain statewide law en-
forcement support functions. The Bureau oversees
eight divisions: Airport, Automotive Safety Enfor-
cement, Aviation, Crime Laboratory, Criminal In-
vestigation, Executive Protection, Licensing, and
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.

AIRPORT DIVISION
By contractual agreement with the State Avia-
tion Administration, the State Police supplies
security and investigative and patrol services for
Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

AUTOMOTIVE SAFETT ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
Established in 1977, the Automotive Safety En-
forcement Division licenses Motor Vehicle Inspec-
tion Stations (Chapter 14, Acts of 1977). The work
includes investigation of complaints, initial certifica-
tion, routine inspections, and revocations. The
Division also processes all safety equipment repair
orders issued by police agencies to ensure com-
pliance or vehicle registration suspension (Code
Transportation Article, sec. 23-102).

AVIATION DIVISION
Throughout Maryland twenty-four hours a day
the Aviation Division provides helicopter service to
evacuate those seriously injured on highways and
other persons requiring immediate transport to medi-
cal assistance. Its other missions include search and
rescue, criminal investigation support, traffic control,
and support in disasters and civil disturbances.

CRIME LABORATORT DIVISION
The Crime Laboratory Division analyzes
evidence submitted by all Maryland law enforce-
ment agencies investigating or prosecuting a
criminal or motor vehicle offense. Division person-
nel analyze controlled dangerous substances, blood
alcohol, arson propellants, questioned documents,
and other physical evidence. The Division maintains
mobile evidence collection units in each troop area.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
The Criminal Investigation Division initiates its
own criminal investigations, assists all headquarters
and field units with investigations, and conducts motor
fuel and fuel tax fraud investigations. The Division
contains nine units: State Prosecutor's Office, White
Collar Crimes, Environmental Crimes, Wurant/Fugi-
tive, General Assignment, Spedal Assignment, 'Vehicle
Theft, Organized Crime, and Polygraph.

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION DIVISION
The Executive Protection Division provides
security for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, At-
torney General, Comptroller of the Treasury and State
Treasurer as required. The Security Services Unit
provides security to the members of the Executive
Branch and the leaders of the General Assembly

LICENSING DIVISION
The Licensing Division licenses private detectives
and security guards (Code 1957, Art. 56, sees. 543-
606). It conducts investigations and makes recom-
mendations to the Secretary of State regarding
railroad police commissions (Code 1957, Art. 23, sees.
25 6-266). The Division also issues special police com-
missions (Code 1957, Art. 41, sees. 4-901 through
4-913). The Division investigates all applicants desir-
ing to wear, carry or transport a handgun (Code 1957,
Art. 27, sec. 36) and registers firearms (Code 1957,
Art. 27, sees. 441-448). The Division also operates a
voluntary firearms registration service for persons who
acquire or own firearms that are not controlled by
other statutes.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT
DIVISION

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
enforces Motor Vehicle Code provisions on size,
weight, and load of vehicles (Code Transportation
Article, sees. 24-101, 24-112). It also enforces laws
governing motor fuel tax (Code 1957, Art. 56, sees.
135-157) and fraud resulting from the sale of motor
fuels and lubricants (Code 1957, Art. 27, sees.
231-233). Also within the Division is the Motor
Carrier Safety Program.

BUREAU OF DRUG ENFORCEMENT
Thomas H. Cart, Commander
290-0050

Formed in 1990, the Bureau of .Drug Enforce-
ment investigates violations of narcotics and
dangerous drug laws. The Bureau concentrates on
long-range and covert investigations that affect
large scale dealers and distributors.

STATE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC DRUG
ENFORCEMENT COORDINATION
The State Office of Strategic Drug Enforcement
Coordination (SOSDEC) develops and recommends
strategies to coordinate Stare law enforcement efforts
to reduce die supply of and demand for controlled
dangerous substances. The Commander of the
Bureau of Drug Enforcement serves as the chairper-
son of the Office, which is composed of representatives
from numerous criminal justice agencies and associa-
tions. The Strategy and Program Development Sec-
tion serves as staff to the Office.