DEPARTMENT OF STATE POLICE

Department of State Police, 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland, July 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Except in incorporated municipalities, the Department of State Police has statewide jurisdiction. Within municipalities the Department may exercise jurisdiction under certain conditions, as regulated by statute (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-301, 2-302, 2-412). The Department also enforces the laws relating to controlled dangerous substances (narcotics) throughout the State with no jurisdictional limitations (Code 1957, Art. 27, sec. 298(g)).

The main component of the Department is the Maryland State Police, which is organized into four bureaus: Criminal Investigation; Field Operations; Special Operations; and Support Services. The Department additionally is responsible for operations of the State Fire Marshal.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

The Secretary of State Police was formerly called Superintendent of State Police, and was renamed Secretary of State Police in 1995 (Chapter 3, Acts of 1995; Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-204). Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of State Police serves at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary may name a deputy secretary with the approval of the Governor.

The Secretary of State Police chairs the Cease Fire Council, the Handgun Roster Board, the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee, the State Law Enforcement Coordinating Council, the Police Training Commission, and the Superintendent's Council of Advisors on Diversity and Inclusion. The Secretary also serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the State Child Fatality Review Team; the Governor's Commission for Effective Community Inclusion of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; the Governor's Family Violence Council; the Maryland Integrated Map Executive Committee; the Task Force on Juvenile Court Jurisdiction; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the State Postmortem Examiners Commission; the Task Force to Study the Laws and Policies relating to Representation of Indigent Criminal Defendants by the Office of the Public Defender; the Governing Board of the Maryland Center for School Safety; the Sexual Offender Advisory Board; and the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.

Under the Office of Secretary are the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council and the Program Management Office. Reporting directly to the Secretary is the Chief of Staff.

[SECRETARY OF STATE POLICE] SUPERINTENDENT'S COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The Secretary of State Police convened the Superintendent's Council of Advisors on Diversity and Inclusion in April 2012. The Council meets quarterly to advise the Secretary on developing and implementing diversity managment initiatives. These initiatives support improving the Department's organizational culture and developing leadership in diversity management, and conflict prevention and resolution.

VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION COUNCIL
1125 National Highway, LaVale, MD 21505

In 1994, the Vehicle Theft Prevention Council was created within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (Chapter 459, Acts of 1994). On June 1, 1997, the Council joined the Department of State Police (Chapter 434, Acts of 1997).

The Council sets priorities for strategies to prevent vehicle theft and recommends legislative action for the same purpose. The Council also raises funds for deposit in the Vehicle Theft Prevention Fund from which the Council makes awards and grants for motor vehicle theft intervention programs.

The Council has thirteen members. Nine are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor. Four serve ex officio. The Governor names the chair (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-701 through 2-703).

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE
In July 2008, the Program Management Office was created (Executive Order 01.01.2008.07). The Office directs, coordinates, and implements the Maryland Statewide Communications Interoperability Program as developed by the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee.

CHIEF OF STAFF

CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SECTION
The Criminal Intelligence Section began as the Criminal Intelligence Division under Support Services. In March 2003, its functions transferred to the Analytical Division of the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau of the Homeland Security Command. In August 2003, the Division became the Analytical Section under the Homeland Security and Intelligence Division. In January 2009, the Division reorganized under its present name and transferred to the Office of Secretary.

Information pertaining to organized crime, narcotics trafficking, auto theft, gang violence, terrorism, violent crimes, hotspots, and other strategic data is collected, analyzed, and disseminated by the Section. Data on parole and probation, controlled dangerous substances violations, and release of inmates also is analyzed by the Section.

Two units are supervised by the Section: Operational and Tactical Analysis; and Strategic Analysis.

OPERATIONS SECTION
Formed in March 2003 as the Operations Division, the Operations Section assumed its present name in August 2003. It oversees four units: Bioterrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction; Domestic and Organized Crime; Homeland Security-Baltimore; and Homeland Security-District of Columbia.

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SECTION
The Executive Protection Section provides security for the State's constitutional officers, that is, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Maryland, and State Treasurer.

LEGISLATIVE SECURITY SECTION
The Legislative Security Section began as Security Services, and adopted its present name in October 2004. This section provides security to the leaders of the Legislature, the General Assembly (when in session), and legislative committees as required. It reports directly to the Secretary of State Police.

OFFICE OF MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMAND

Overseen by the Office are the Handgun Roster Board, the Budget Section, the Grants Management Section, the Regulations and Government Affairs Office, and three divisions: Finance; Planning and Research, and Special Projects.

HANDGUN ROSTER BOARD
Within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Handgun Roster Board was created in 1988 (Chapter 533, Acts of 1988). In 1995, the Board became part of the Department of State Police (Chapter 3, Acts of 1995).

In Maryland, it is illegal to sell or offer for sale a handgun manufactured after January 1, 1985, that is not on the Handgun Roster. The Board compiles, maintains, and publishes the Handgun Roster, which lists those handguns which may be offered for sale in Maryland since January 1, 1985. Annually, the Handgun Roster is published in the Maryland Register.

Ten of the Board's eleven members are appointed to four-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. They are required to be Maryland residents. The Secretary of State Police serves as chair (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 5-404 through 5-406).

RESIDENT TROOPER PROGRAM
As the Local Division within the Maryland State Police, the Resident Trooper Program was established in 1968 (Chapter 502, Acts of 1968).

Intended to provide contractual law enforcement services to counties and municipalities, the Program's first contract was with Carroll County in 1974 for ten troopers. Training, equipment, and other expenses are paid for by the contracting jurisdiction (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-601). Based at the nearest barrack, resident troopers fulfill the policing needs of the local jurisdiction. In FY2013, Carroll County had fifteen resident troopers and Calvert County had one resident trooper. The Town of Mount Airy had five, and the Town of Walkersville had three.

BUDGET SECTION
The Budget Section is responsible for the Department's budget.

INSPECTION & COMPLIANCE DIVISION
The Inspection and Compliance Division conducts inspections, audits, and reviews at the Department's barracks and divisions statewide to ensure compliance with Department standards and policies. The Division also acts as liaison to the Office of Legislative Audits.

PLANNING & RESEARCH DIVISION
Under the Strategic Planning Command, the Planning and Research Division oversees two sections: Capital Projects; and Management Analysis.

STATE FIRE MARSHAL

In 1894, the office of State Fire Marshal was created (Chapter 248, Acts of 1894). Duties of the office were assumed ex officio by the Insurance Commissioner in 1916 (Chapter 521, Acts of 1916). The Office of State Fire Marshal took on these responsibilities in 1964 (Chapter 46, Acts of 1964). The State Fire Marshal and the State Fire Prevention Commission became part of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services in 1970. Both transferred to the Department of State Police on July 1, 1997 (Chapter 352, Acts of 1997).

To prevent deaths, injuries, and property damage due to fires, the State Fire Marshal's office inspects buildings for fire safety, investigates arsons, and provides instruction on fire safety. Manufacturers, dealers, and users of explosives are regulated by the State Fire Marshal, who also issues permits for fireworks displays, and operates a bomb squad unit.

Maryland laws dealing with fire prevention, electrical safety, and the storage, sale, and use of explosives and combustibles are enforced by the State Fire Marshal. State laws on installation and maintenance of fire detection and control equipment, fire exits in public buildings, and suppression of arson also are enforced by the State Fire Marshal.

The Secretary of State Police appoints the State Fire Marshal to a six-year term (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 6-301 through 6-322).

STATE FIRE PREVENTION COMMISSION
12 North Jonathan St., Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740 - 4802

The State Fire Prevention Commission organized in 1964 (Chapter 46, Acts of 1964). Formerly within the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Commission moved to the Department of State Police on July 1, 1997 (Chapter 352, Acts of 1997).

Regulations for the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion are promulgated by the Commission. It also serves as a board of appeals for matters connected with enforcement of the Fire Code and interpretation of conflicts with local codes.

With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary of State Police appoints the Commission's nine members to five-year terms (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 6-201 through 6-207).

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU

In March 2003, the Criminal Investigation Bureau first organized within the Department as the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau. In October 2004, the Bureau became the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau. In January 2009, the homeland security function transferred to the Office of Secretary, and the Bureau adopted its present name.

The Bureau oversees two divisions: Criminal Enforcement, and Forensic Sciences.

CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

The Division assists Bureau operations statewide with special technical support. To enforce controlled dangerous substances laws, the Division also provides support and specialized resources to State Police field operations and local law enforcement agencies.

Special investigative groups, teams, and task forces within the Division work on computer crimes, firearms interdiction, auto theft, homicide, insurance fraud, and environmental crimes. These special investigative units are organized loosely under six sections: Computer Crimes; Criminal Enforcement; Fugitive Apprehension; Gang Enforcement; Gun Enforcement; and Homicide Teams and the Homicide Cold-Case Unit. Since January 2013, the Division also has operated through multi-agency drug task forces and units. They specialize in asset forfeiture, major traffickers, marijuana eradication, money laundering, parcel interdiction, seaport initiative, and technical surveillance.

Within the Division are the Marijuana Eradication Unit and the Asset Forfeiture Unit, as well as several cooperative interagency initiatives stemming from the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. These initiatives include the Mass Transportation Group; the Major Drug Traffickers Initiative; the Delivery System Parcel Interdiction Initiative; the Violent Traffickers Initiative; and Baltimore Safe Streets. In addition, Drug Investigative Services works with the U. S. Secret Service on the Metro Fraud Task Force, combatting money laundering operations, and other forms of financial fraud.

COMPUTER CRIMES SECTION
Under the Computer Crimes Section are the Maryland Center for Missing Children, the Computer Forensic Laboratory, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; and two units: Child Recovery, and Computer Crimes.

MARYLAND CENTER FOR MISSING CHILDREN
[STATE CLEARINGHOUSE FOR MISSING CHILDREN]
The Maryland Center for Missing Children was established as the State Clearinghouse for Missing Children within the Investigation Division of the Special Operations Bureau in 1985 (Chapter 496, Acts of 1985). The Center in 1989 transferred to the Intelligence Division, now the Criminal Intelligence Division. In 1998, it moved to the Support Services Bureau, and in 2003 to the Information Technology Bureau. Since October 2004, the Center has been part of the Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau.

The Center gathers and distributes general information and annual statistics regarding missing children. It coordinates its work with law enforcement agencies and persons or groups concerned with children who have disappeared from or are thought to be in Maryland. For parents and law enforcement agencies, the Center creates posters identifying missing children. These are distributed in areas where the child might be recognized (Code Family Law Article, sec. 9-401 through 9-403).

CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT SECTION
In March 2003, the Criminal Enforcement Section formed within the Criminal Investigation Division from units and functions previously assigned to the Support Services Bureau. In January 2013, the Section was made part of the Criminal Enforcement Division.

The Section oversees units for the Attorney General's Office; Auto Theft; Extradition; and Polygraph.

FUGITIVE APPREHENSION SECTION
In March 2003, the Fugitive Apprehension Section started its work under the Criminal Investigation Division. In January 2013, the Section was made part of the Criminal Enforcement Division.

The Section is responsible for the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Criminal Apprehension Team, the Homicide Teams, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.

GUN ENFORCEMENT SECTION
The Gun Enforcement Section began as the Firearms Investigation Unit within the Criminal Investigation Division in 1995. Later that year, it joined the Special Investigations Support Section. In 1999, it moved to the Firearms Enforcement Division, and in 2000 was placed under the Office of Crime Gun Enforcement. In 2003, its functions were assumed by the Firearms Enforcement Section of the Criminal Investigation Division. At the same time, functions of the Firearms Enforcement Division (created in 1999 as part of the Criminal Enforcement Command) also were assigned to the Section. In 2003, the Section adopted its present name. In January 2013, the Section was made part of the Criminal Enforcement Division.

The Section investigates violations of Maryland's gun laws, and coordinates State law enforcement efforts to submit guns recovered from crime scenes to the federal government for tracing. Section work also is coordinated with other state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

To reduce the availability of firearms to criminals, the Section initiated Operation Cease Fire. Investigations focus on the illegal sale, transport, possession, and use of firearms.

FORENSIC SCIENCES DIVISION

The Forensic Sciences Division originated as the Crime Laboratory Section under the Criminal Investigation Division. The Section was restructured in August 2003 as the Forensic Sciences Division under the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau (later Homeland Security and Investigation Bureau). In October 2004, the Division transferred to the Investigation Command and, in January 2013, was placed directly under the Criminal Investigation Bureau.

For all Maryland law enforcement agencies, the Division collects, preserves, and analyzes physical evidence in criminal cases. To collect evidence, the Division maintains mobile units in each region. It analyzes controlled dangerous substances, blood alcohol, arson propellants, questioned documents, and other physical evidence. A statewide DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) database system also is kept (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 2-501 through 2-512).

The Division's work is carried out by two branches: Operational Services; and Scientific Analysis. The Operational Services Branch includes units for handling crime scenes, collection of evidence, photography and support staff. Under the Scientific Analysis Branch are units for biology, chemistry, firearms/toolmarks/integrated ballistics information system, latent fingerprints, toxicology, and trace evidence.

At Pikesville, the State Police Crime Laboratory was built in 1985. In March 2006, that building was replaced by the Maryland State Police Forensic Science Laboratory, also in Pikesville. Two additional regional laboratories in Berlin and Hagerstown support Division work.

FIELD OPERATIONS BUREAU

The Field Operations Bureau had organized by 1985. It joined with the former Support Services Bureau in March 2003 to become the Operations Bureau. The Support Services Bureau originated from the Drug Enforcement Bureau and the Special Operations Bureau. In 1995, those bureaus merged to become the Bureau of Drug Enforcement and Special Operations, which reformed as the Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement later that year. In September 1998, that bureau was renamed the Support Services Bureau. After the Operations Bureau formed from the merger of the earlier bureaus, it was renamed the Field Operations Bureau in October 2004.

For the Department and Maryland allied police agencies, the Field Operations Bureau provides investigations and certain specialized law enforcement statewide. The Bureau protects life and property in Maryland by detecting and preventing crime and making road travel safe. It is responsible for traffic program planning and administers twenty-three field installations (barracks) in Maryland.

The Bureau operates through the Northern and Southern Commands of the State Police Barracks. Reporting directly to the Bureau Chief also is the Liaison for State Highway Administration Affairs.

STATE POLICE BARRACKS

In October 2004, State Police Barracks was organized into two commands: Eastern and Western. The Eastern Command covered three troops: Eastern, Northern, and Southern, while the Western Command was comprised of three troops: Baltimore Metro, Washington Metro, and Western.

In October 2010, the commands were reorganized. The Northern Command now is responsible for three troops: Central, Northern, and Western. The Southern Command oversees three troops: Eastern, Southern, and Washington Metro.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUREAU

AVIATION COMMAND

Throughout Maryland, twenty-four hours a day, the Aviation Command transports critically injured citizens to trauma centers within the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems. The Command also provides aerial support for the Department and allied public safety agencies. At times of disaster and civil disturbance, the Command conducts search and rescue operations, and aids criminal investigation and traffic control.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS & TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMAND

The Command operates through three divisions: Automotive Safety Enforcement; Commercial Vehicle Enforcement; and Special Operations.

AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
In 1997, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division organized from a merger of the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Under the Special Operations Bureau, the Automotive Safety Enforcement Division formed in 1977 to license motor vehicle inspection stations (Chapter 14, Acts of 1977). The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division also first organized under the Special Operations Bureau. Both Divisions transferred to the Field Operations Bureau in 1994 to form Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations. In 1998, the unit reorganized as two divisions: Automotive Safety Enforcement, and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. In March 2003, both divisions were restructured as sections under the Special Operations Division. In August 2003, both moved to the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau, and in October 2004, both transferred to the Field Operations Bureau. In July 2012 it moved to the Special Operations Bureau.

The Automotive Safety Enforcement Division licenses motor vehicle inspection stations. This involves initial certification, routine inspections, investigation of complaints, and revocations. The Division also processes all safety equipment repair orders issued by police agencies to ensure compliance or vehicle registration suspension (Code Transportation Article, sec. 23-102).

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division first organized under the Special Operations Bureau. It transferred to the Field Operations Bureau in 1994 as part of Motor Carrier and Automotive Safety Operations. In 1998, the Comercial Vehicle Enforcement Division formed from that unit, and reorganized as a section under the Special Operations Division in March 2003. The Section moved to the Homeland Security and Intelligence Bureau in August 2003, and in October 2004, transferred to the Field Operations Bureau as the Commercial Vehichle Enforcement Division. In July 2012, the Division was made part of the Special Operations Bureau.

The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division enforces the Motor Vehicle Code as it relates to size, weight, and load of commercial vehicles (Code Transportation Article, secs. 24-101, 24-112). Weight and inspection stations for commercial vehicles statewide are operated by the Division. The Division also enforces laws governing motor fuel tax and fraud resulting from the sale of motor fuels and lubricants (Code Business Regulation Article, secs. 10-301 through 10-324; Tax-General Article, secs. 9-101 through 9-337). Within the Division is the Motor Carrier Safety Program and, since 1995, the Gasoline Tax Unit.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY SECTION
In October 2004, the Transportation Safety Divison organized under the Transportation Safety Command. Later, as a section, it joined the Comercial Vehicle Enforcement Divison.

The Section is responsible for the Chemical Test for Alcohol Unit, formerly under the Forensic Sciences Division. The Division also oversees the Traffic Operations Section, which directs the Crash Team, Collision Reconstruction Training, the Fatal Accident and Analysis Reporting System, and the Transportation Security Unit. The Crash Team investigates and reconstructs fatal and near-fatal crashes, as well as unusual incidences involving aircraft, trains, police collisions, and shootings involving police.

SPECIAL OPERATIONS DIVISION
The Special Operations Division oversees the K-9 Unit; the Motorcycle Unit; the Proactive Criminal Enforcement Team; and the Special Tactical Assault Team Element and Tactical Medical Team.

Skilled in special tactics, these teams respond to barricade and hostage situations, sniper incidents, rescue operations, and other extraordinary occurrences. In 2003, the Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement Team joined the other teams. Its mission is to patrol Interstate I-95, a primary drug courier route.

Canine teams also are under the Division. A canine team consists of a dog trained to perform police support functions and the police offficer to whom the dog is assigned. Throughout the State, canine teams prevent and detect crime. All teams are trained in basic police procedures, and some in detecting explosive substances, narcotics, and firearms. Bloodhounds also are used to search for lost or fugitive persons.

MOTORCYCLE UNIT
Within the Special Operations Division, the Motorcycle Unit was initiated in May 1990. The Unit's main function is to manage traffic. It works to alleviate traffic congestion; assist motorists; make homeland security site checks; and provide escort.

SUPPORT SERVICES BUREAU

The Support Services Bureau formed in 1998. Upon the merger of the Administration Bureau with the Information Technology Bureau in October 2004, the Bureau became responsible for these functions as well.

In 1985, the Administration Bureau started as the Logistical Services Bureau. Renamed in 1987 as the Services Bureau and as the Administrative Services Bureau in 1993, it became the Administration Bureau in March 2003. The Information Technology Bureau was established as the Information Technology and Communications Bureau in August 2001. It was restructured as the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003.

The Support Services Bureau provides the materials and services needed for the Department and allied Maryland law enforcement agencies to perform their work. To ensure efficient information collection, and communications, the Bureau implements technological changes and manages the Department's information technology and communications systems.

Under the Bureau are three commands: Logistics; Personnel; and Technology and Information Management.

LOGISTICS COMMAND

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION
Formed as the Capital Improvements Division, this division reformed as the Facilities Management Division in 1992, and the Facilities Management Section in 2003. It adopted its current name in October 2004.

The Division submits requests for capital fund projects as directed by the Secretary of State Police. The Section cooperates with the Department of General Services regarding buildings and projects of agency interest, and coordinates maintenance and repair of facilities of the Department of State Police.

MOTOR VEHICLE DIVISION
The Motor Vehicle Division was renamed the Motor Vehicle Section in March 2003, and reassumed its original name in October 2004.

The Division repairs, maintains, and disposes of the motor vehicles of the Department. The Division also prepares and maintains equipment specifications and standards of performance for the motor vehicle fleet.

QUARTERMASTER DIVISION
The Quartermaster Division began as the Supply Division, became the Quartermaster Division in 1994, and the Quartermaster Section in 2003. The Section transferred to the Logistics Command as the Quartermaster Division in October 2004.

The Division procures materials, supplies, equipment, and services needed to operate the Department. Within the Division, the Department Property Unit controls the storage and disposition of property held by the Department.

PERSONNEL COMMAND

The Command is responsible for three divisions: Education and Training; Human Resources; and Promotional Testing. In addition, it oversees the Administrative Hearing Section and the Department Prosecutor Section.

EDUCATION & TRAINING DIVISION
Public Safety Education & Training Center, 6852 Fourth St., Sykesville, MD 21784

The Education and Training Division began as the Education and Training Section, and was renamed the Training Division in October 2004. In July 2007, the Training Division and the Police Adademy Division combined to form the Education and Training Division.

Department training programs, including curricula development, and in-service and specialized training are administered by the Division. For trooper candidates, entry-level training is conducted at Department headquarters where a resident-training program is held over a 24-week period. Upon graduation, a trooper probationer is partnered with an experienced trooper for two to six more months to further develop job skills.

HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION
In March 2003, the Human Resources Division was fashioned within the Administration Bureau from components of the Education and Career Development Command, the Personnel Command, and the Services Command. The Division transferred to the Personnel Command of the Support Services Bureau in October 2004.

The Division oversees the Employment Services Section, the Personnel Administration Section, and the Medical Unit.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SECTION
The Employment Services Section began as the Personnel Management Division. Renamed the Human Resources Division in 1997, it became the Personnel Section in March 2003. In October 2004, it reformed under the Human Resources Division of the Personnel Command.

The Section hires and recruits personnel and maintains personnel records. Agency disciplinary and grievance hearings are scheduled by the Section, which represents the Department in personnel matters, and oversees the health of Department employees.

TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

The Command oversees five divisions: Administrative Operations; Central Records; Electronic Services; Information Technology; and Licensing.

CENTRAL RECORDS DIVISION
In 1941, the Central Records Division originated as the Traffic Collision Statistical Bureau. The Bureau was renamed the Central Accident Records Division in 1953, and received its present name in 1990. Formerly under the Administrative Services Bureau, the Division transferred to the Information Technology and Communications Bureau in August 2001, and the Information Technology Bureau in 2003. From October 2004 to August 2012, the Division functioned under the Records Command. In August 2012, the Division moved to the Technology Information Management Command.

Statistics and data from reports of traffic accidents investigated by Maryland law enforcement agencies are collected and analyzed by the Division (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-306). The Division also provides aggregate accident data to the State Highway Administration and police agencies and maintains records of all motor vehicle law violations through citation control. Individuals may request to see their own records. Through Maryland Uniform Crime Reporting, the Division collects crime data from all Maryland police departments and produces quarterly and annual crime reports for law enforcement agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-307).

The Division works through three sections: Accident Reporting, Field Liaison, and Incident Reporting.

ELECTRONIC SERVICES DIVISION
The Electronic Services Division started in 1935 as the Communications Bureau. By 1979, many of its functions had been assigned to the Electronic Services Division. The Bureau was renamed the Communications Services Division in 1992 when the Electronic Services Division consolidated with the Telecommunications Division. In August 2001, the Division transferred to the Information Technology and Communications Bureau as the Electronic Systems Division. It became part of the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003, and in October 2004 joined the Logistics Command of the Support Services Bureau. In February 2009, the Division was placed under the Office of Technology Management. As the Electronic Services Division, it transferred to the Technology and Information Management Command in August 2012.

Telephone, radio and other communication equipment for the Department and allied local, State and federal agencies is maintained by the Division. The Division also manages the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems, a national switching system that for the purpose of law enforcement gives states access to other states' data on motor vehicles. Canada also participates in the Systems. In addition, the Division manages the State component of the National Crime Information Center, and the Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System which delivers data to a national information network for law enforcement and criminal justice personnel throughout the country.

Under the Division are three sections: Electronics, Mobile Systems, and Radar/Laser.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
In August 2001, the Information Technology Development Division formed. It became part of the Management Information Systems Division within the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003, and reverted to its original name in August 2003. The Division functioned under the Logistics Command of the Support Services Bureau from October 2004 to February 2009, when it transferred to the Office of Technology Management. In August 2012, it moved under the Technology and Information Management Command.

Information technology systems for the Department are developed and managed by the Division. Also, the Division is responsible for personal computers, fixed function terminals, mobile data computers, personal data assistants, and any forms of source data collection or automation.

The Division works through two sections: Communications Services, and Network Services.

LICENSING DIVISION
Originally under the Support Services Bureau, the Licensing Division moved to the Information Technology Bureau in March 2003, and to the Records Command of the Support Services Bureau in October 2004. In August 2012, it bacame part of the Technology and Information Management Command.

The Licensing Division administers laws and conducts investigations concerning the sale, transfer, and registration of handguns, shotguns, rifles, machine guns, and electronic listening devices.

Three sections comprise the Division: Firearms Registration, Handgun Permit, and Licensing Services.

FIREARMS REGISTRATION SECTION
The Firearms Registration Section began as the Firearms Licensing Section under the Licensing Division. In 1999, it transferred to the Firearms Enforcement Division and adopted its current name. In March 2003, it moved under the Licensing Division.

Requests to purchase or transfer regulated firearms are investigated and processed by the Section. Applicants for a regulated firearms dealer's license also are investigated by the Section. The Section is the central repository for files and records relating to administration of the regulated firearms law (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 5-101 through 5-314).

LICENSING SERVICES SECTION
The Licensing Services Section licenses:
explosives dealers (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 11-101 through 11-118);
private detectives (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 13-101 through 13-801);
security guards (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 19-101 through 19-701);
security systems agencies and technicians (Code Business Occupations & Professions Article, secs. 18-101 through 18-701); and
canine unit dogs used by law enforcement agencies (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 2-313).

The Division also:
certifies handgun instructors (Code Public Safety Article, sec. 3-208);
investigates applicants for special police commissions (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 3-301 through 3-415); and
issues permits for outdoor music festivals and public fireworks displays (Code Public Safety Article, secs. 10-101 through 10-210).

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