The Maryland State Police is one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the United States. We are known throughout Maryland for the superior service we provide to those in need on a daily basis. We also have an excellent national reputation in the law enforcement community.

It is never too early to begin your career with the Maryland State Police. If you are still in high school, contact your local State Police Barrack. All Maryland State Police Barracks have Explorer programs. Becoming an Explorer will not only help you to become acquainted with the State Police, it will also fulfill your high school community service requirement.

Upon graduation from high school, you may be eligible to enter our Cadet program. Dedicated high school graduates who meet the standards set by the Maryland State Police may be hired as Cadets. As a Cadet, you will be a State Police employee. You will work with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (or another area, as needed). Once you reach the age of 21, you will be eligible to enter the State Police Academy to become a Trooper. All of the time you spend as a Cadet is credited toward your retirement.

The Maryland State Police offers an excellent salary and benefit package including:

• Starting salary is among the highest of any police agency in Maryland.
• Retirement at 22 years of service OR age 50.
• Annual paid vacation, personal leave, sick leave and holidays.
• Take-home vehicle
• Subsidized health insurance
• Ordinary and Special Death Benefits

Our Aviation Division is the model upon which many other law enforcement and medical aviation units are based. Our Crime Lab is among the finest and most modern anywhere. And our new driver training facility is the envy of almost every police agency.

These (and other) specialized divisions offer Troopers numerous opportunities. After "working the road" for a while, many Troopers transfer to other areas in which they have a particular interest or in which they have special training. Some of the specialized units and divisions are:

• Aviation
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
• Computer Crimes
• Crime Lab
• Criminal Investigation
• Drug Enforcement
• Executive Protection
• K-9
• Motorcycle Patrol
• STATE Team
• Training
• Underwater Recovery Team

To become a Maryland State Trooper, you must be dedicated. The hiring process alone can take more than a year. At a minimum, it involves written and physical testing, interviews, a thorough investigation of your background, physical and psychological screening and a polygraph examination. There are thousands of applicants for each class. You must be one of the best to become one of Maryland's Finest.

If you are selected to become a Trooper Candidate, you will attend the State Police Academy in Pikesville for six months. This is a residential Academy. That means you will stay at the Academy 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday. You may also be required to stay on some weekends.

While at the Academy you will be expected to maintain a high level of military discipline. You will take college-level academic classes (for which you will receive college credit). You will learn emergency vehicle operations and how to use firearms. You will push your body physically and mentally to limits that you did not believe that you could endure. When you graduate you will be among the most highly trained law enforcement officers in the country. And you will be in the best shape of your life.

If you would like to become one of Maryland's Finest, the first step is to attend an initial interview. During the initial interview you will learn more about the job, the Academy and the hiring process. To find out when and where you can attend an initial interview, and learn about the minimum qualifications that are required, follow the link below to our Recruitment Unit.