Department of State Police, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland, July 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
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).
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 Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the State Postmortem Examiners Commission; the Maryland Security Council; and the Sexual Offender Advisory Board.
Under the Office of Secretary is the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council. Reporting directly to the Secretary are the Chief of Staff and Sergeant Major.
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 (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-701 through 2-703).
EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SECTION
LEGISLATIVE SECURITY SECTION
Overseen by the Office are the Handgun Roster Board, the Government Affairs Section, and four divisions: Budget and Finance; Inspection and Compliance; Planning and Research; and Professional Policing.
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 Public Safety Article, secs. 5-401 through 5-406).
The State Aid for Police Protection Fund is distributed to subdivisions and municipalities in Maryland to help pay for adequate police protection. The Secretary of State Police administers the Fund (Code 1957, Art. 41, secs. 4-401 through 4-406).
BUDGET & FINANCE DIVISION
PROFESSIONAL POLICING DIVISION
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).
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 Public Safety Article, secs. 6-201 through 6-207).
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. Reporting directly to the Bureau Chief is State Highway Administration Affairs.
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.
The Command operates through three sections: Logistical Operations; Special Enforcement; and Tactical Operations.
The Command 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. Since 2003, the Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement Team also has been part of the Command. Its mission is to patrol Interstate I-95, a primary drug courier route.
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.
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 three troops: Baltimore Metro, Washington Metro, and Western.
AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
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
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY DIVISION
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.
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION
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.
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 (Code Family Law Article, sec. 9-401 through 9-403).
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT SECTION
The Division provides support and specialized resources to State Police field operations and local law enforcement agencies for enforcing controlled dangerous substances laws. Within the Division are 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 initiatives 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
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
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SECTION
HOMELAND SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE DIVISION
Two units are supervised by the Section: Operational and Tactical Analysis; and Strategic Analysis.
OPERATIONS SECTION
DRUG ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
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.
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 Division's work is carried out by two branches: Operational Services; and Scientific Analysis. The Operational Services Branch includes units for handling crime scenes, collection of evidence, photography and support staff. Under the Scientific Analysis Branch are units for biology, chemistry, firearms/toolmarks/integrated ballistics information system, latent fingerprints, toxicology, and trace evidence.
The State Police Crime Laboratory was built in 1985 at Pikesville. In March 2006, that building was replaced by the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, also in Pikesville. Two regional laboratories in Berlin and Hagerstown also support Division work.
CENTRAL RECORDS DIVISION
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
Two sections comprise the Division: Firearms Registration; and Licensing.
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 (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-314).
LICENSING SECTION
The Division also:
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.
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. 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
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
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
QUARTERMASTER DIVISION
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
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.
HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
The Division oversees the Employment Services Section, and the Medical Unit.
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.
POLICE ACADEMY DIVISION
In October 2004, the Police Academy Division formed under the Personnel Command of the Support Services Bureau.
TRAINING DIVISION
? Copyright Maryland State Archives
VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION COUNCIL
1125 National Highway, LaVale, MD 21505
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.
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.
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.
HANDGUN ROSTER BOARD
Within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Handgun Roster Board was created in 1988 (Chapter 533, Acts of 1988). In 1995, the Board became part of the Department of State Police (Chapter 3, Acts of 1995).
RESIDENT TROOPER PROGRAM
& STATE AID FOR POLICE PROTECTION PROGRAM
As the Local Division within the Maryland State Police, the Resident Trooper Program was established in 1968 (Chapter 502, Acts of 1968). Intended to provide contractual law enforcement services to counties and municipalities, the Program's first contract was with Carroll County in 1974 for ten troopers. Training, equipment, and other expenses are paid for by the contracting jurisdiction (Code 1957, Art. 88B, sec. 63). Based at the nearest barrack, resident troopers fulfill the policing needs of the local jurisdiction. In FY2005, Carroll County had 45 resident troopers and one civilian administrator; Mount Airy had five, Walkersville three, and Perryville and Calvert County each had one.
The Budget and Finance Division is responsible for the Department's budget.
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).
CIVILIAN CONSENT DECREE PROGRAM
Under terms of a court settlement reached in April 2003 by the Department of State Police and plaintiffs, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Department agreed to appoint a Coordinator to monitor and oversee the Department's implementation of all actions mandated by the consent decree. Those mandates include ensuring that appropriate training is given to troopers, managers, and supervisors concerning their responsibilities under the consent decree; monitoring the installation of specialized video and audio equipment in vehicles used for traffic stops; developing and distributing a brochure explaining how to file complaints against the Department; and assisting the Department's consultant on racial profiling issues with access to departmental records and personnel.
STATE FIRE MARSHAL
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION
12 North Jonathan St., Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740 - 4802
FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899
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.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
The Special Operations 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.
MOTORCYCLE UNIT
The Motorcycle Unit was initiated in May 1990. The Unit's main function is to manage traffic. It works to alleviate traffic congestion; assist motorists; make homeland security site checks; and provide escort.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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
COMPUTER CRIMES SECTION
Under the Computer Crimes Section are the Maryland Center for Missing Children, and three units: Cyber Attacks; Internet Crimes Against Children; and On-Line Fraud and Vice.
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. Since October 2004, the Center has been part of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.
Within the Criminal Investigation Division, the Criminal Enforcement Section formed in March 2003 from units and functions previously assigned to the Support Services Bureau. The Section oversees Prince George's County Safe Streets, and five units: Auto Theft; Cold Case; Homicide; Polygraph; and Property.
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.
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.
The Technical Assistance Section includes the Computer Forensic Laboratory, and the Technical Assistance Reponse Unit.
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.
ANALYTICAL SECTION
Within the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau, the Analytical Division organized in March 2003. It became the Analytical Section under the Homeland Security and Intelligence Division in August 2003. The Section collects, analyzes, and disseminates information pertaining to organized crime, narcotics trafficking, auto theft, gang violence, terrorism, violent crimes, hotspots, and other strategic data. The Section also analyzes data on parole and probation, controlled dangerous substances violations, and release of inmates.
Formed in March 2003 as the Operations Division, the Operations Section assumed its present name in August 2003. It oversees four units: Bioterrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction; Domestic and Organized Crime; Homeland Security-Baltimore; and Homeland Security-District of Columbia.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.
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.
Maryland State Police Forensic Science Laboratory
221 Milford Mill Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Licensing Section licenses:
explosives dealers (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-118);
private detectives (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 13-101 through 13-801);
security guards (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 19-101 through 19-701);
security systems agencies and technicians (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 18-101 through 18-701); and
canine unit dogs used by law enforcement agencies (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-313).
certifies handgun instructors (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 3-208);
investigates applicants for special police commissions (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 3-301 through 3-415); and
issues permits for outdoor music festivals and public fireworks displays (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 10-101 through 10-210).
SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU
1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208 - 3899
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
PERSONNEL COMMAND
In October 2004, the Personnel Command formed under the Support Services Bureau. The Command is responsible for four divisions: Human Resources; Police Academy; Promotional Testing; and Training. In addition, it oversees two sections: Administrative Hearing; and Department Prosecutor.
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.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SECTION
The Employment Services Section began as the Personnel Management Division. Renamed the Human Resources Division in 1997, it became the Personnel Section in March 2003. In October 2004, it reformed under the Human Resources Division of the Personnel Command.
Public Safety Education & Training Center
6852 Fourth St., Sykesville, MD 21784
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.
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