Organization of the Maryland State Police

The Maryland State Police is a paramilitary organization. Both our organizational structure and our rank structure are modeled after the United States military. In general, there are:

  • Department of State Police (commanded by the Colonel)
  • Bureaus (commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel)
  • Commands (commanded by a Major)
  • Troops (commanded by a Captain)
  • Divisions (commanded by a Captain or Civilian Director)
  • Barracks (commanded by a Lieutenant)
  • Sections (commanded by a Captain, Lieutenant, or Civilian Director)
  • Units (commanded by a First Sergeant)

All of the subdivisions of the Department fall under the Office of the Superintendent and are part of one of the four bureaus.  Below you will find the responsibilities of each bureau.  

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
The Office of the Superintendent includes staff and units that directly support the administrative responsibilities of the Secretary.  Those units and staff report to the Chief of Staff.

FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU
The Field Operations Bureau is responsible for 22 barracks across the state which provide law enforcement services.  The bureau is divided into the Northern and Southern Commands.  Approximately 75 percent of MSP sworn personnel are assigned to this bureau.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU
The Criminal Investigation Bureau provides investigative services, both overt and covert, to support the Department's mission of achieving public safety by improving the quality of life for the citizens of Maryland.  The Bureau is organized into two commands--the Criminal Investigation Command and the Drug Enforcement Command.

SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU
The Support Services Bureau performs vital services to support the personnel and operations of the Maryland State Police.  The Bureau is divided into the Personnel Command, Logistics Command, and Records Command.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUREAU
The Special Operations Bureau includes two commands encompassing many specialized divisions and units that provide safety and rescue assistance to the citizens of Maryland.  The commands are the Aviation Command and the Special Operations and Transportation Safety Command.





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