WHO MAY APPLY

Maryland Code, Public Safety Article, Title 2, Department of State Police, Subtitle 3, Powers and Duties of Department §2-313, provides that publicly owned dogs used for law enforcement work by the State or a local subdivision of the State shall have a license issued by the Department of State Police.

HOW TO APPLY

Using the online registration available below, handlers, supervisors, or commanders must register the canine and handler prior to being placed in service. Please answer all questions accurately to ensure a seamless process. Allow 14 days for processing.

COST TO APPLY

There is no cost to the State or a local subdivision of the State to participate in this program.

DOCUMENTATION OF AUTHORITY

Maryland Code, Public Safety Article, Title 3, Law Enforcement, Subtitle 3, Police Training Commission, §3-201, Definition, provides guidance concerning what Departments must comply with the requirements of this program.

APPLICATION PROCESSING

Electronic processing - Upon issuance, the handler ID Card and the canine ID Tag will be forwarded to the Department by U.S. Mail.

HISTORY

In 1969, the Maryland State Police began licensing all publicly owned dogs used by the State or any of its political subdivisions for police work.

Maryland Annotated Code, Article 88B, Sec. 70 (a) provides that "From and after January 1, 1969, all publicly owned dogs used by the State or any of its political subdivisions for police work shall be licensed only as provided by this section."

The change from "police work" to the now stated "law enforcement work" was not intended to be substantive, according to the reviser’s notes.

PERIOD OF LICENSE

The license issued to a publicly owned dog used for law enforcement work by the State or a local subdivision by the State Police terminate upon the death of the dog, retirement from service or transfer to another agency.

CHANGE OF HANDLER

Upon reassignment of a handler and/or the assignment of the canine to a new handler the new handler/Department is required to notify the State Police.

REPLACEMENT ID CARD/ID TAG

Replacement ID Cards and ID Tags are available upon request. Please make your request as soon as the need is known

STATUTE

Annotated Code of Maryland, Public Safety Article, Title 2, Subsection 313

The complete Maryland Code can be accessed by clicking here. This valuable resource allows interested parties to view the applicable laws pertaining to licenses, certifications and commissions sought. All applicants should familiarize themselves with the statutes associated with the product sought.