While the basic duties of a Trooper include investigating traffic accidents, issuing citations, writing reports and enforcing the laws of Maryland (see "Basic Duties", below), our Troopers do so much more. The Maryland State Police offer a full range of police services to the residents of Maryland. Not only are we responsible for the major highways in Maryland, we also patrol and respond to calls within each county. In fact, the Maryland State Police is the primary law enforcement agency in many counties across the state.

Basic Duties

Although many Troopers are assigned to specialized divisions and units, the basic duties and responsibilities of every Maryland State Trooper include:

Enforcing the criminal and motor vehicle laws of the State of Maryland
Investigating traffic accidents
Investigating and completing criminal investigations
Providing basic medical attention to ill and injured persons
Issuing traffic citations and warnings
Interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects
Writing field reports
Arresting and processing suspects
Preparing cases for court and testifying in court

Career Opportunities

Although no candidate is selected for immediate entry into a specialized unit, the Maryland State Police offers a wide range of assignments for experienced Troopers. After graduation, field training and initial assignment to a field installation, you may request reassignment to specialized units, such as:

TFC Preston of the K-9 Unit waiting to
deploy his partner Nero. - Drug Enforcement
- Homeland Security
- Executive Protection
- S.T.A.T.E. Team (SWAT)
- Aviation Command
- D.A.R.E.
- Accident Reconstruction
- Canine Unit
- Crime Lab

- Media Communications
- Criminal Investigations
- Computer Crimes
- Automotive Safety Enforcement Division
- Police Academy or Training Division
- Motorcycle Unit
- Licensing Division
- Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division

Some members of the Motorcycle Unit
take a break from training.

Troopers may also request to be considered as a member of teams that use a particular skill or talent, but are not permanent assignments, such as the Underwater Recovery Team and Hostage Recovery Team.

Opportunities also exist to become certified as an Instructor in Officer Survival, Firearms and Driver Training. You may request advanced training in progressive levels of accident reconstruction and Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspection. You may also receive certification in speed measurement using instruments such as RADAR, VASCAR and LASER.

If you have questions about any of the units mentioned above, please contact the Recruitment Staff.