Field Operations Bureau
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The Field Operations Bureau is the most visible part of the Maryland State Police (MSP) since it includes troopers who regularly interact with the public. The Field Bureau is made up of several units and divisions.
Field Bureaus
This division makes sure vehicles meet Maryland’s safety standard. MDSP officers inspect vehicles, check repair shops and car dealerships for compliance, and investigate car thefts and fraud.
The Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED) manages Maryland’s vehicle safety inspection program, including salvage vehicle inspections, safety equipment repair orders, and post-collision investigations. ASED's goal is to ensure damaged vehicles meet safety standards and to keep unsafe vehicles off the road. With 1,600 stations across the state, ASED conducts approximately 750,000 inspections annually.
Contact information
6601 Ritchie Highway NE Glen Burnie MD 21062
Phone: 410-768-7388
Email: MSP.ASED@maryland.
Troopers are based in different regions across Maryland. The Northern Command is divided into the Central, Northern, and Western parts of the state. The Southern Command includes the Eastern, Southern, and Washington Metro areas.
The Chemical Test for Alcohol Unit (CTAU) manages the state’s alcohol and drug testing program for drivers including
- chemical testing for impaired driving and
- training that relates to the detection, apprehension, and processing of drug and alcohol impaired drivers.
Chemical testing includes three parts:
- Breath alcohol
- Blood tests for alcohol
- Blood tests for drugs
The unit does not test samples themselves but administer the programs, process the analytical paperwork, and maintain the blood results. The blood specimens are tested by the Forensic Sciences Division.
The CTAU unit offers training services to Maryland officers on detecting and managing impaired drivers, including:
- Implementing field sobriety tests
- Using breath test devices
- Managing sobriety checkpoints
- Recognizing drug use
Training sessions are offered for judges and prosecutors. The unit also fulfills presentation requests from citizen and organizational groups whenever feasible.
The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division encourages and promotes a safe driving environment through education and safety inspections while enforcing state and federal laws.
The Division currently operates 11 weight & inspection facilities located throughout Maryland.
Eastern Region
- Conowingo Weigh/Inspection Facility (Harford County)
Route 1 at Route 623, Darlington, MD 21034
Phone: 410-457-0320 - Delmar Weigh/Inspection Facility (Wicomico County)
U.S. Route 13 and Delmar Road, Salisbury, MD 21801
Phone: 410-819-4390 - Vienna Inspection Site (Wicomico County)
Southbound U.S. Route 50, south of Nanticoke River, Vienna, MD 21869
Phone: 410-860-6708 - Cecilton Weigh/Inspection Facility (Cecil County)
201 Blue Star Memorial Highway, Warwick, MD 21912
Phone: 410-275-2745
Central Region
- Parkton Weigh/Inspection Facility (Baltimore County)
Southbound I-83 South of the Pennsylvania line, Parkton, MD 21120
Phone: 410-357-5139 - Upper Marlboro Weigh/Inspection Facility (PG County)
North and Southbound U.S. Route 301, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: 301-627-2205 or 301-627-2206 - Hyattstown Weigh Inspection Facility (Montgomery County)
Northbound Route 270, 1 mile south of Route 109, Clarksburg
Phone: 301-428-0605 - Washington Metro. Park & Ride (PG County)
I-95 and I-495, College Park, MD 20740
Phone: 301-431-2748
Western Region
- West Friendship Weigh/Inspection Facility (Howard County)
Westbound I-70, west of Route 32, West Friendship, MD 21794
Phone: 410-489-4079 - New Market Weigh/Inspection Facility (Frederick County)
Eastbound I-70, east of Route 75, New Market, MD 21774,
Phone: 301-865-3601 - Finzel Weigh/Inspection Facility (Garrett County)
Eastbound I-68 (Mile Marker 31), Midlothian, MD 21543-0401
Phone: 301-689-1850
The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) is a specialized unit committed to the safe resolution of emergency situations, including hostage crises. The team leverages the expertise of trained officers and appropriate resources to achieve this goal. Furthermore, the CNT offers support to other police departments when necessary.
The K-9 Unit supports the Maryland State Police and allied law enforcement agencies using specialized canine support. The dogs are trained to locate and alert officers for the following:
- Illegal drugs
- Explosives
- Missing people
- Criminal suspects
The Motorcycle Unit offers rapid and adaptable assistance throughout the state. Motorcycle officers are adept at responding swiftly to both traffic and criminal incidents, particularly in areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
The S.T.A.T.E. Team (SWAT) was created in 1979 to provide the Maryland State Police with a team of highly trained troopers to respond to high-risk incidents beyond the capability and knowledge of other troopers.
The SWAT is responsible for managing critical situations, including hostage barricade incidents, high-risk warrant services, dignitary protection, waterborne operations, and terrorism-related incidents. The team serves as a vital training and evaluation resource for the MSP Academy, in-service personnel, and allied agencies at all levels. Their expertise covers a wide range of topics, from patrol and firearms to advanced tactics like active shooter response. The team frequently collaborates with other police departments to help resolve critical incidents.
Founded in 1960, the Underwater Recovery Team (URT) is a specialized unit of 7 to 10 sworn troopers trained in search, recovery, and underwater evidence collection. URT divers are trained to operate in challenging environments—lakes, rivers, quarries, coastal waters, and ice-covered or zero-visibility “black water.” Missions range from body and vehicle recovery to explosive identification, hull searches, and evidence collection such as weapons, human remains, or personal effects.
Notable responsibilities include:
- Recover items from underwater, sometimes in zero visibility
- Perform underwater security scans for major events
- Search for missing people and evidence
- Assist during aircraft crashes and water rescues
- Identify threats
All team members are full-time MSP troopers with advanced dive certifications. They’re on-call 24/7 and ready to help in any water-based emergency in Maryland and beyond.