MARYLAND STATE POLICE TROOPER

For more than 100 years, Maryland State Troopers have served the citizens of Maryland by fighting crime and promoting roadway safety. As the lead law enforcement agency in Maryland, the Maryland State Police offer a wide range of exciting assignments and specialized units that are as diverse as our team of Troopers.

Next Scheduled Academy Class: January 2025

• BASIC DUTIES
• CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• SALARY & BENEFITS
• APPLICATION PROCESS
• QUALIFICATIONS ​
• MILITARY

The basic duties and responsibilities of every Maryland State Trooper include:

• Enforcing the criminal and motor vehicle laws of the State of Maryland
• Investigating traffic accidents
• Investigating and completing criminal investigations
• Providing basic medical attention to ill and injured persons
• Issuing traffic citations and warnings
• Interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects
• Writing field reports
• Arresting and processing suspects
• Preparing cases for court and testifying in court
• Working with community members and other government
  agencies

The Maryland State Police offers a wide range of assignments for experienced Troopers. After graduation, field training and initial assignment to a field installation, you may request consideration for reassignment to specialized units, such as:

• Accident Reconstruction
• Automotive Safety Enforcement Division
• Aviation Command
• Canine Unit
• Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
• Computer Crimes
  
• Criminal Investigations
• Dive Team
• Drug Enforcement
• Executive Protection​

• Forensic Sciences​
• Homeland Security
• Licensing Division
• Media Communications
• Motorcycle Unit
• Police Academy or Training Division
• Recruiter
• S.T.A.T.E. Team (SWAT)
• Underwater Recovery Team
  

​ While in the academy, trooper candidates earn $58,758. Upon successful completion of the academy, the salary increases to $6​8,673, which does not include shift differential, uniform allowance, overtime, and other incentives. ​

The Maryland State Police offers a comprehensive compensation package for its Troopers. In addition to the starting salary (which begins your first day in the Academy), MSP also offers:

• Salary increases annually for 18 years: Upon your hiring date anniversary you will receive an increase in your salary. All steps must be funded annually by the State Legislature and are not guaranteed.
  
• MSP will recognize up to 9 years of ac​credited law enforcement service from another law enforcement agency. The starting pay will be based on the number of ac​credited years prior to becoming a Trooper Candidate, with a starting pay up to $96,747.
  
• Associate Degree can be earned from the Academy at no cost to the employee.
• Assigned Vehicle: each Trooper will be assigned an agency take home vehicle. (this privilege may be suspended or revoked in accordance with department policy).
• Bilingual, Fitness & College degree financial incentives: MSP provides a financial incentive to those who meet the conditions associated with these programs.
  
• Automatic, non-competitive promotions to Trooper First Class, Senior Trooper and Master Trooper:
  1. Trooper First Class: a Trooper will be promoted to the rank of Trooper First Class when they have completed 3 years of service with the MSP and met all procedural requirements.
  2. Senior Trooper: a Trooper First Class will be promoted to the rank of Senior Trooper when they have completed 10 years of service with the MSP and met all procedural requirements.
  3. Master Trooper: a Senior Trooper will be promoted to the rank of Master Trooper when they have completed 15 years of service with the MSP and met all procedural requirements.
• All Uniforms & Equipment provided by the Department.
  

Paid Leave
Vacation: 10-25 days per year, based on years of service (may accrue up to 600 hours)
Sick Leave: 15 days per year (may accrue unlimited sick leave).
Personal Leave: 6 days per year
Holidays: 11 days per year
Military Leave: 15 days per year (maximum) for members of the Armed Forces Reserves or National Guard

Health Insurance: MSP subsidizes 80% health insurance costs (PPO, POS or HMO).

Family & Medical Leave: Twelve weeks per year available for all Troopers to care for a child or family member.

Retirement: It is mandatory that Troopers retire at the age of 60. Troopers participate in a liberal pension program which permits voluntary retirement after 25 years of creditable service or at the age of 50. Troopers with prior military service may be credited with up to 5 years of MSP time toward retirement after completing 10 years of creditable service with the Department. Troopers have the option to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) if they have at least 25 years of service but less than 32 years of creditable service in the Law Enforcement Officers' Pension System. Click here.

Secondary Employment: Troopers who have average or above average job performance are permitted to engage in approved forms of secondary employment.

Blood Assurance Program: Several blood drives are conducted each year to benefit MSP employees and their families.

Death Benefits: Death benefits consisting of your retirement contributions (plus interest) and a percentage of your final salary will be paid to your beneficiaries in the event of a line-of-duty death. The exact amounts vary with your years of service.The information presented above is meant as an overview of the benefits offered by MSP. For specific details on any of the above information, please contact the Recruitment Unit.