Maryland Manual On-Line - www.mdmanual.net

DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

OFFICE OF SECRETARY


[photo, Department of State Police, Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland] 1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899

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

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


The Secretary of State Police chairs the Cease Fire Council, the Handgun Roster Board, the Police Training Commission, and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council. The Secretary also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Cabinet Council on Criminal and Juvenile Justice; the State Child Fatality Review Team; the State Information Technology Board; the Governor's Commission on Maryland Military Monuments; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the State Postmortem Examiners Commission; the Maryland Security Council; and the Task Force to Study Criminal Offender Monitoring by Global Positioning Systems.

The Department is organized into three bureaus: Field Operations; Homeland Security and Investigation; and Support Services. Directly under the Office of Secretary are the Cease Fire Council, the Explosives Advisory Council, and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council. Reporting directly to the Secretary are the Chief of Staff and Sergeant Major.

CHIEF OF STAFF

Within the Office of Secretary, the Chief of Staff is responsible for six sections: Executive Protection; Fair Practice; Internal Affairs; Labor Relations; Legal Counsel; and Legislative Security.

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.

SERGEANT MAJOR

In January 2005, the position of Sergeant Major was reinstituted within the Department to ensure clear communication between the Secretary of State Police and State troopers.

OFFICE OF MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

The Office of Media Communications and Marketing began as the Media Affairs Section, reformed as the Media Communications Section, and adopted its present name in January 2005.

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. In October 2004, when the Administration Bureau merged to form the Support Services Bureau, the Office became a separate entity under the Secretary of State Police.

Overseen by the Office are the Handgun Roster Board, the Government Affairs Section, the Staff Inspection Section, and three divisions: Budget and Finance; Planning and Research; and Professional Policing.

BUDGET & FINANCE DIVISION
The Budget and Finance Division is responsible for the Department's budget, as well as the Resident Trooper Program, and the State Aid for Police Protection Program.

PROFESSIONAL POLICING DIVISION
In December 2004, the Professional Policing Division formed under the Office of Strategic Planning. The Division is responsible for the Civilian Consent Decree Program, and ensures Departmental compliance with the Decree as well as implementation of recommendations by the Police-Citizen Advisory Committee, which the Decree mandated. The Division also ensures the accurate and complete reporting of traffic stop data which law enforcement officers are required to collect through August 31, 2007 (Code Transportation Article, sec. 25-113; Chapters 342 & 343, Acts of 2001).


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).


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 five commands: Aviation; Special Operations; Transportation Safety; and the Eastern and Western Commands of the State Police Barracks. Directly under the Bureau Chief are the Regional Family Violence Unit, and State Highway Administration Affairs.

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 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, and has been under the Field Operations Bureau as the Aviation Command since October 2004.

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 System. 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.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

The Special Operations Command was created in March 2003 as the Special Operations Division. The Division originally 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 Command was established.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
The Special Operations Division 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 and, in October 2004, again became a division under the Special Operations Command.

The Division includes the Special Tactical Assault Team Element, 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.

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.

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 were organized into two commands: Eastern and Western. The Eastern Command covers three troops: Eastern, Northern, and Southern, while the Western Command is comprised of two troops: Metro and Western.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMAND

In August 2003, the Transportation Safety Division was created within the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau (now Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau). As the Transportation Safety Command, it moved to the Field Operations Bureau in October 2004. The Command directs three divisions: Automotive Safety Enforcement; Commercial Vehicle Enforcement; and Transportation Safety.

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.

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 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 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.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DIVISION
In October 2004, the Transportation Safety Divison organized under the Transportation Safety Command. The Division 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.


HOMELAND SECURITY & INVESTIGATION BUREAU

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

In March 2003, the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau first organized within the Department as the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau. In October 2004, the Bureau adopted its present name.

Under the Bureau are three commands: Homeland Security; Investigation; and Records.

HOMELAND SECURITY COMMAND

The Homeland Security Command was created under the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau in October 2004. It directs two divisions: Criminal Investigation; and Homeland Security and Intelligence.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
In 1995, the Criminal Investigation Division was created as Special Operations and Support Services. In September 1998, it reorganized as the Criminal Enforcement Command, and in March 2003 restructured under its present name. 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.

The Division assists Bureau operations statewide with special technical support. It supervises special investigative groups that work on drug diversion and interdiction, firearms, auto theft, insurance fraud, and environmental crimes.

Four sections come under the Division: Computer Crimes; Criminal Enforcement; Firearms Enforcement; and Fugitive Apprehension.

HOMELAND SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
In October 2004, the Homeland Security and Intelligence Division moved under the Homeland Security Command. The Division is responsible for the Analytical Section, and the Operations Section.

INVESTIGATION COMMAND

In October 2004, the Investigation Command organized under the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau. The Command oversees two divisions: Drug Enforcement; and Forensic Sciences.

DRUG ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
From the Drug Enforcement Command established in September 1998, the Drug Enforcement Section was structured under the Criminal Investigation Division in March 2003. The Section reformed as the Drug Enforcement Division under the Investigation Command in October 2004.


[photo, State Police Crime Laboratory, Building K, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland] FORENSIC SCIENCES DIVISION
The Forensic Sciences Division originated as the Crime Laboratory Section under the Criminal Investigation Division, and was restructured as a division by its current name under the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau (now Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau) in August 2003. In October 2004, it moved under the Investigation Command.

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


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. A statewide DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) database system also is kept (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-501 through 2-512).

The State Police Crime Laboratory was built in 1985 at Pikesville, and now falls under the Forensic Sciences Division. Two regional laboratories in Berlin and Hagerstown also support Division work.

RECORDS COMMAND

The Records Command formed under the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau in October 2004. The Command is responsible for two divisions: Central Records; and Licensing.

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. Since October 2004, the Division has functioned under the Records Command of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.

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.

LICENSING DIVISION
Formerly 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. 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.


SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU

1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899

The Support Services Bureau formed from the merger of the Administration Bureau with the Information Technology Bureau in October 2004.

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 two commands: Logistics, and Personnel.

LOGISTICS COMMAND

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

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS DIVISION
The Electronic Systems Division started in 1935 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.

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. In addition, the Division 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 are four sections: Communications Services; Electronic Services; MILES/NCIC/NLETS; and Telecommunications.

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.

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. Since October 2004, the Division has functioned under the Logistics Command of the Support Services Bureau.

The Division develops and manages information technology systems for the Department. The Division also 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 three units: Applications Re-engineering and Maintenance; Information Systems; and Mobile Systems.

MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION
The Motor Vehicle Division was renamed the Motor Vehicle Section in March 2003, and reassumed its original name in October 2004. The Division 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.

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.

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT DIVISION
The Technology Management Division began as the Technology Management Section, became the Information Technology Section under the Management Information Systems Division in March 2003, and assumed its present name in August 2003 under the Information Technology Bureau. In October 2004, the Division joined the Support Services Bureau.

Administrative services relating to budget, procurement, grants writing, project management, customer relations, legislative liaison, and organizational staffing are provided by the Division.

Under the Division are Operations and Intelligent Transportation Systems Liaison; the Procurement Section; and the Strategic Planning, and Grants and Fiscal Section.

PERSONNEL COMMAND

In October 2004, the Personnel Command formed under the Support Services Bureau. The Command is responsible for five divisions: Administrative Hearing; Human Resources; Police Academy; Promotional Testing; and Training.

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, and the Medical Unit.

POLICE ACADEMY DIVISION
Public Safety Education & Training Center
6852 4th St.
Sykesville, MD 21784

In October 2004, the Police Academy Division formed under the Personnel Command of the Support Services Bureau.

TRAINING DIVISION
The Training Division began as the Education and Training Section, and reformed under its present name in October 2004. The Division administers Department training programs, including curricula development, and in-service and specialized training. 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.

Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
Maryland Departments
Maryland Independent Agencies
Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards
Maryland Universities & Colleges
Maryland Counties
Maryland Municipalities
Maryland at a Glance


Maryland Manual On-Line

Search the Manual
e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us

? Copyright Maryland State Archives