AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT
DIVISION
R. Joel Underwood, Commander
(410) 768-1735

Established in 1977, the Automotive Safety En-
forcement Division licenses motor vehicle inspec-
tion stations (Chapter 14, Acts of 1977). The work
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 compli-
ance or vehicle registration suspension (Code
Transportation Article, sec. 23-102).

Formerly under the Special Operations Bureau,
the Division transferred to the Field Operations
Bureau in 1994.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT
DIVISION
Charles E. Shue, Commander
(410) 974-2042

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
originally organized under the Special Operations
Bureau. In 1994, it transferred to the Field Opera-
tions Bureau.

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

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS SECTION
Houston E. Karnes, Jr., Commander
(410) 799-4548

The Emergency Operations Section includes the
Special Tactical Assault Team Element and the
Hostage Recovery Team. Skilled in special tactics,
these teams respond to barricade and hostage situ-
ations, sniper incidents, rescue operations, and
other extraordinary occurrences.
The Section also uses canine teams. 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 sub-
stances, narcotics, and firearms. Bloodhounds also are
used to search for lost or fugitive persons.

Contact: Vernon R. Herron (410) 799-0284

In June 1993, the Governor created the Maryland
State Police Strike Force (Executive Order
01.01.1993.17). Since 1994, the Force has been
known as Operation People. This unit, formerly as-
signed to the Criminal Intelligence Division, was trans-
ferred to the Emergency Operations Section in 1996.
Assigned to high crime areas, Operation People
may enforce the law in all areas of the State, including
incorporated municipalities that have police forces.

STATE POLICE BARRACKS
The Department has twenty three barracks
around the State. Through these units, the Depart-
ment works locally on traffic control; crime report-
ing, reduction, and prevention; and public safety.

BUREAU OF DRUG ENFORCEMENT

In 1995, merged with the Special Operations Bu-
reau to form the Bureau of Drug Enforcement and
Special Operations.

BUREAU OF DRUG ENFORCEMENT
& SPECIAL OPERATIONS

In November 1995, renamed Bureau of Drug and
Criminal Enforcement.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

Formerly under the Bureau of Drug Enforcement
and Special Operations, absorbed into Special Op-
erations and Support Services in 1995.

DIVISION OF CORRECTION
INVESTIGATIVE UNIT

Formerly under the Special Operations Bureau,
Unit duties were assumed by the Department of
Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1996.

DRUG ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

Formerly under the Bureau of Drug Enforcement
and Special Operations, Division functions dis-
persed throughout Bureau of Drug and Criminal
Enforcement in 1995.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUREAU

In 1995, merged with the Bureau of Drug Enforce-
ment to form the Bureau of Drug Enforcement and
Special Operations.

SUPPLY DIVISION

Under the Administrative Services Bureau, re-
named Quartermaster Division in 1994.