DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

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

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

The Department is organized into four bureaus: Administration; Homeland Security and Intelligence; Information Technology; and Operations. Directly under the Office of Secretary are the Cease Fire Council, the Explosives Advisory Council, and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

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

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

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

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

VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION COUNCIL
1125 National Highway
LaVale, MD 21505

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

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

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY DIVISION

The Professional Responsibility Division originated as the Office of Policy, Strategy, and Information Management. It reorganized as the Office of Professional Responsibility in July 2000, and assumed its present name in March 2003. The Office oversees four sections: Chaplains; Fair Practice; Internal Affairs; and Staff Inspection.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL

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

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

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

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

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

The State Fire Prevention Commission organized in 1964 (Chapter 46, Acts of 1964). Formerly within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission moved to the Department of State Police on July 1, 1997 (Chapter 352, Acts of 1997).

Regulations for the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion are promulgated by the Commission. It also serves as a board of appeals for matters connected with 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 1957, Art. 38A, secs. 1-6A).

ADMINISTRATION BUREAU

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 adopted its current name in March 2003.

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

Under the Bureau are two divisions: Human Resource; and Management and Finance.

HUMAN RESOURCE DIVISION

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

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Program is overseen by the Section, which also supports the Mid-Atlantic Regional Community Policing Institute.

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

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SECTION
Formed as the Capital Improvements Division, the Facilities Management Section became the Facilities Management Division in 1992, and adopted its present name in 2003. The Section 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 SECTION
The Motor Vehicle Section started as the Motor Vehicle Division and assumed its current name in March 2003. The Motor Vehicle Section repairs, maintains, and disposes of the motor vehicles of the Department. The Section also prepares and maintains equipment specifications and standards of performance for the motor vehicle fleet.

PERSONNEL SECTION
The Personnel Section began as the Personnel Management Division. Renamed the Human Resources Division in 1997, it became the Personnel Section in March 2003. The Section hires and recruits personnel and 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.

The Personnel Section is responsible for four units: Administrative Hearing, Medical, Personnel Services, and Promotional Standards and Development.

MANAGEMENT & FINANCE DIVISION

The Division oversees the Handgun Roster Board and three sections: Budget and Finance; Planning and Management; and Quartermaster.

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

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

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

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

QUARTERMASTER SECTION
The Quartermaster Section began as the Supply Division, became the Quartermaster Division in 1994, and received its present name in 2003. The Section procures materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to operate the Department. Within the Section, the Department Property Unit controls the storage and disposition of property held by the Department.

HOMELAND SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE BUREAU

In March 2003, the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau was created.

Under the Bureau are three divisions: Analytical; Executive Protection; and Operations.

ANALYTICAL DIVISION

The Division oversees two sections: Operational and Tactical Analysis; and Strategic Analysis.

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION DIVISION

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

OPERATIONS DIVISION

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUREAU

Under the Bureau are five divisions: Central Records; Electronic Systems; Licensing; Management Information Systems; and Technical Assistance and Computer Crimes.

CENTRAL RECORDS DIVISION

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

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION

Telephone, radio and other communication equipment for the Department and allied local, State and federal agencies is maintained by the Division. The Division also 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.

Under the Division are three sections: Communications Services; Electronic Services; and Telecommunications.

LICENSING DIVISION

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

Requests to purchase or transfer regulated firearms are investigated and processed by the Section. Applicants for a regulated firearms dealer's license also are investigated by the Section. The Section is the central repository for files and records relating to administration of the regulated firearms law.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIVISION

The Division works through three sections: Information Technology; Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System (MILES) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC); and Technology Management.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTION
The Information Technology Section began as the Technology Management Section and assumed its current name in March 2003. It provides administrative services related to budget, procurement, grants writing, project management, customer relations, and legislative liaison.

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

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & COMPUTER CRIMES DIVISION

Within the Division are the Computer Forensic Laboratory, the Maryland Center for Missing Children, and four units: Cyber Attacks; Internet Crimes Against Children; On-Line Fraud and Vice; and Technical Surveillance.

MARYLAND CENTER FOR MISSING CHILDREN
[STATE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR MISSING CHILDREN]
The Maryland Center for Missing Children was established as the State Clearinghouse for Missing Children within the Investigation Division of the Special Operations Bureau in 1985 (Chapter 496, Acts of 1985). The Center in 1989 transferred to the Intelligence Division, now the Criminal Intelligence Division. In 1998, it moved to the Support Services Bureau, and in 2003 to the Information Technology Bureau.

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

OPERATIONS BUREAU

In March 2003, the Operations Bureau formed from components of the Field Operations Bureau and the Support Services Bureau.

The Field Operations Bureau had organized by 1985. The Support Services Bureau originated from the Drug Enforcement Bureau and the Special Operations Bureau. In 1995, those bureaus merged to form the Bureau of Drug Enforcement and Special Operations which became the Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement later that year. In September 1998, that bureau was renamed the Support Services Bureau.

For the Department and Maryland allied police agencies, the 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.

Under the Bureau are the Fatal Accident Reporting System; State Aid for Police Protection Program; and State Highway Administration Affairs. The Bureau also encompasses the State Police Barracks and three divisions: Aviation; Criminal Investigation; and Special Operations.

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

AVIATION DIVISION

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION

Five sections come under the Division: Crime Laboratory; Criminal Enforcement; Drug Enforcement; Firearms Enforcement; and Fugitive Apprehension.

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

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

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

DRUG ENFORCEMENT SECTION
From the Drug Enforcement Command established in September 1998, the Drug Enforcement Section was structured in March 2003. The Section provides support and specialized resources to State Police field operations and local law enforcement agencies for enforcing controlled dangerous substances laws. The Section includes the Marijuana Eradication Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, as well as several cooperative interagency initiatives stemming from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. These include the Mass Transportation Group; the Major Drug Traffickers Initiative; the Delivery System Parcel Interdiction Initiative; the Violent Traffickers Initiative; and Baltimore Safe Streets. In addition, Drug Investigative Services works with the U. S. Secret Service on the Metro Fraud Task Force, combatting money laundering operations and other forms of financial fraud.

FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT SECTION
The Firearms Enforcement 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.

The Firearms 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.

Under the Section are two units: Gun Enforcement; and Selective Enforcement.

FUGITIVE APPREHENSION SECTION
In March 2003, the Fugitive Apprehension Section started its work under the Criminal Investigation Division. The Section has five units: Attorney General's; Environmental Crimes; Extradition; Insurance Fraud; and Regional Warrant Fugitive.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION

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

AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT SECTION
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.

The Automotive Safety Enforcement Section licenses motor vehicle inspection stations. This involves initial certification, routine inspections, investigation of complaints, and revocations. The Section 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 SECTION
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section enforces the Motor Vehicle Code as it relates to size, weight, and load of commercial vehicles (Code Transportation Article, secs. 24-101, 24-112). The Section also enforces laws governing motor fuel tax and fraud resulting from the sale of motor fuels and lubricants (Code 1957, Art. 56, secs. 135-157; Art. 27, secs. 231-233). Within the Section is the Motor Carrier Safety Program and, since 1995, the Gasoline Tax Unit.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS SECTION
The Special Operations Section originated as the Emergency Operations Section. It reorganized as the Special Operations Division in 1997, and moved under the Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations Command in 1999. In March 2003, the Division reorganized as a section under the new Special Operations Division. The Section includes the Special Tactical Assault Team Element, and the Hostage Recovery Team, and the Underwater Recovery Team. Skilled in special tactics, these teams respond to barricade and hostage situations, sniper incidents, rescue operations, and other extraordinary occurrences. The Section's Crash Team also investigates and reconstructs fatal and near-fatal crashes, as well as unusual incidences involving aircraft, trains, police collisions, and shootings involving police.

Canine teams also are used by the Section. 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.

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