Cadets

     The Cadet program is an excellent opportunity for a young person between the ages of 18 to 20 to be exposed to various duties and responsibilities of the Maryland State Police. Cadets perform a multitude of challenging and rewarding tasks that do not require police authority. Cadets are full time employees of the Maryland State Police, generally assigned the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Cadets work under the supervision of a trooper at a truck weigh inspection facility or on a roving patrol where they gain valuable experience to better prepare them for a future career as a Maryland State trooper. The time spent as a Cadet of the Maryland State Police goes toward his or her retirement.

Trooper Candidates

     The hiring process for a Trooper Candidate is structured, rigorous, and detailed. It is designed to help select those applicants who are most qualified. You must successfully complete each step in order to move on in the process. The seven step process is Applicant Orientation, Functional Fitness Assessment, Written Examination, Oral Interview, Polygraph and Background Investigation, Medical and Psychological Examination, and Police Selection Committee.

     After successful completion of the six month State Police Academy and eight weeks of field training, you will start your patrol duties at your assigned barrack. You may then request reassignment to a specialized unit such as: Criminal Investigations, Executive Protection, K9, Aviation, Drug Enforcement, Computer Crimes, Homeland Security, and Motor Unit, just to name a few.

     The Maryland State Police offers one of the most attractive law enforcement compensation packages in the state. In addition to the excellent salary, we also offer ample opportunities for Promotions, Salary Increases, Associates Degree Program through Frederick Community College, Paid Leave, Take Home Car, Health Benefits and Retirement after 25 years of service.

TFC LEO N. NIMS IV RECEIVES SUPERINTENDENT'S COMMENDATION

In December 2010, Trooper First Class Leo Nims spearheaded a four month criminal investigation into multiple scrap metal thefts from local businesses and construction sites in St. Mary’s County.  He single-handedly developed a surveillance and investigative plan known as Operation Copper Stopper. 

Using surveillance investigative teams and even a phony construction site, TFC Nims developed a suspect in just one month of detective work.  Later, he discovered the suspect had scrapped approximately 20,000 pounds of copper, brass and aluminum and made $60,000 in exchange for the metals.  TFC Nims’ investigation also revealed the materials were scrapped within 48 hours of a rash of burglaries and thefts occurring in St. Mary’s County.

In as little as four months time, TFC Nims executed search and seizure warrants on the suspect’s vehicle and home, which led to the recovery of at least one piece of evidence from every burglary committed in December 2010.  His perseverance led to an indictment of the suspect on multiple counts of burglary and felony thefts. His Operation Copper Stopper was even more of a success when it led to eight more arrests in other scrap metal thefts, the closure of 36 burglary and theft cases in Southern Maryland, and totaling an estimated loss value of $338,000. 

For his self-motivation and persistence in finding closure to these cases, Trooper First Class Leo Nelson Nims, IV is awarded a Superintendent’s Commendation.