DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

FUNCTIONS


[photo, Department of State Police, Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland] The Department of State Police enforces State motor vehicle and criminal laws and safeguards the lives and safety of all persons within Maryland. The Department protects property and assists all persons to secure the equal protection of law. Moreover, the Department preserves the public peace; detects and prevents crime; and enforces the laws and ordinances of the State and its local subdivisions. In addition, the Department preserves order in public places; maintains the safe, orderly flow of traffic on public streets and highways; and cooperates with and assists other law enforcement agencies.

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


[photo, State Police, City Hall, Baltimore, Maryland] Criminals and lawbreakers are apprehended and arrested by the Maryland State Police, which has primary responsibility for the prevention of and protection from criminal activity and terrorist attacks (Executive Order 01.01.2013.06).

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

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899

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 Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee, 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 Radio Control Board; the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board; the Commission to Study Mental and Behavioral Health in Maryland; the Council on Open Data; he 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.


CHIEF OF STAFF

Within the Office of Secretary, the Chief of Staff is responsible for six sections: Criminal Intelligence; Department Prosecutor; Executive Protection; Internal Affairs; Labor Relations; Legal Counsel; and Legislative Security. The Chief of Staff also oversees four offices: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Media Communications; Statewide Interoperability; and Strategic Planning.

OFFICE OF MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
As the Public Affairs Unit, the Office of Media Communications was initiated. It reformed as the Media Affairs Section, then the Media Communications Section, and as the Office of Media Communications in October 2001. It became the Office of Media Communications and Marketing in January 2005 and adopted its current name by June 2023.

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 the Regulations and Government Affairs Office, and two divisions: Finance; and Planning and Research.

STATEWIDE INTEROPERABILITY OFFICE
In July 2008, the Statewide Interoperability Office was created as the Program Management Office (Executive Order 01.01.2008.07). It assumed its current name by June 2023.

The Office directs, coordinates, and implements the Maryland Statewide Communications Interoperability Program as developed by the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee.


STATE FIRE MARSHAL

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208

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).


CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU

c/o Maryland Coordination & Analysis Center for Homeland Defense
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899

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. Recognizing that crime knows no boundaries. Criminals and criminal organizations utilize local police boundaries to their benefit to avoid detection and to further their criminal enterprises. 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 our 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

In 1995, the Criminal Enforcement Division originated as Special Operations and Support Services. In September 1998, it reorganized as the Criminal Enforcement Command, and in March 2003 as the Criminal Investigation Division. In August 2003, the Division moved to the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau. When that bureau became the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau in October 2004, the Division transferred to the Homeland Security Command. In December 2007, the Division transferred to the Investigation Command, and restructured under its present name in January 2013.

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.  

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.

APPREHENSION TEAMS/GANG UNITS/AUTO THEFT SECTION
In March 2003, the Fugitive Apprehension Section started its work under the Criminal Investigation Division. In January 2013, the Section was made part of the Criminal Enforcement Division. It was later renamed the Apprehension Teams/Gang Units/Auto Theft.

The Section is responsible for the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Criminal Apprehension Team, the Homicide Teams, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

COMPUTER CRIMES/POLYGRAPH/ATTORNEY GENERAL SECTION
Formerly called the Computer Crimes Section, the Computer Crimes/Polygraph/Attorney General Section oversees the Maryland Center for Missing & Unidentified Persons, the Computer Forensic Laboratory, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; and four units: Attorney General's Crimes Unit, Child Recovery, Computer Crimes, and Polygraph Unit.

CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT SECTION
In March 2003, the Criminal Enforcement Section formed within the Criminal Investigation Division from units and functions previously assigned to the Support Services Bureau. In January 2013, the Section was made part of the Criminal Enforcement Division.

The Section oversees units for the Attorney General's Office; Auto Theft; Extradition; and Polygraph.

GUN ENFORCEMENT SECTION
The Gun Enforcement Section began as the Firearms Investigation Unit within the Criminal Investigation Division in 1995. Later that year, it joined the Special Investigations Support Section. In 1999, it moved to the Firearms Enforcement Division, and in 2000 was placed under the Office of Crime Gun Enforcement. In 2003, its functions were assumed by the Firearms Enforcement Section of the Criminal Investigation Division. At the same time, functions of the Firearms Enforcement Division (created in 1999 as part of the Criminal Enforcement Command) also were assigned to the Section. In 2003, the Section adopted its present name. In January 2013, the Section was made part of the Criminal Enforcement Division.

The Section investigates violations of Maryland's gun laws, and coordinates State law enforcement efforts to submit guns recovered from crime scenes to the federal government for tracing. Section work also is coordinated with other state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

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.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMAND

FORENSIC SCIENCES DIVISION
Maryland State Police Forensic Science Laboratory
221 Milford Mill Road, Pikesville, MD 21208

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 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.

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 (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples are collected from persons convicted of a felony or certain sexual offenses, and from persons charged with a crime of violence or burglary or an attempt to commit such a crime. The State Police Crime Laboratory analyzes, classifies, stores, and disposes of DNA samples, with records of testing permanently retained. From the Statewide Database, DNA profiles then are forwarded to the National DNA Index System maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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 support Division work.

The Division's work is carried out by two branches: Operational Services, and Scientific Analysis.

LICENSING DIVISION
Originally under the Support Services Bureau, the Licensing Division moved to the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003, and to the Records Command of the Support Services Bureau in October 2004. In August 2012, it became part of the Technology and Information Management Command. The Licensing Division moved under the Criminal Investigation Bureau in 2015.

The Licensing Division administers laws and conducts investigations concerning the sale, transfer, and registration of handguns, shotguns, rifles, machine guns, and electronic listening devices.

Two sections comprise the Division: Firearms Registration, and Licensing. The Division is aided by the Handgun Roster Board.


FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899

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 Special Operations and Transportation Safety Command traces certain functions to the Emergency Operations Section which reorganized as the Special Operations Division in 1997. The Division moved under the Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations Command in 1999. In March 2003, it reorganized as the Special Operations Division. Originally, the Division encompassed three sections: Automotive Safety Enforcement; Commercial Vehicle Enforcement; and Special Operations. In August 2003, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Section and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section moved to the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau. In October 2004, the Special Operations Division reformed as the Special Operations Command. In August 2003, the Transportation Safety Division was created within the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau (later the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau). As the Transportation Safety Command, it moved to the Field Operations Bureau in October 2004. In June 2007, the Special Operations Command merged with the Transportation Safety Command and assumed its present name. In July 2012, the Special Operations and Transportation Safety Command transferred to the Special Operations Bureau. In November 2015, it moved to the Field Operations Bureau.

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.

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.

STATE POLICE BARRACKS

The Department has twenty-three barracks around the State. Through these units, the Department works locally on traffic control; crime reporting, reduction, and prevention; and public safety. In March 2003, the barracks were reorganized under two Regional Commands. Also at that time, drug investigators, family violence investigators, advanced accident reconstructionists, and staff inspection personnel were reassigned to barracks from headquarters units. In August 2003, four Regional Commands were established.

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

1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899

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

The Aviation Command started in 1961 as the Aviation Division. Formerly under the Support Services Bureau, the Division moved to the Operations Bureau in March 2003. As the Aviation Command, it was placed under the Field Operations Bureau from October 2004 to July 2012, when it moved to the Special Operations Bureau. In November 2015, the Aviation Command transferred to the Support Services Bureau.

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

In October 2004, the Logistics Command formed under the Support Services Bureau. The Command oversees three divisions: Facilities Management; Motor Vehicle; and Quartermaster.

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

In October 2004, the Personnel Command formed under the Support Services Bureau.

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.

TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

Formed in August 2012, the Technology and Information Management Command traces its functions to the Technology Management Section, which became the Information Technology Section under the Management Information Systems Division in March 2003. Under the Information Technology Bureau, that division was renamed the Technology Management Division in August 2003, and moved to the Support Services Bureau in October 2004. It reformed in February 2009 as the Office of Technology Management and, in August 2012, as the Office of Technology and Information Management. The Office briefly oversaw the Command until January 2013.

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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