Rank Structure
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The Maryland State Police (MSPD) is organized like the military, with ranks that reflect different levels of leadership and responsibility.
Command ranks
| Badge | Rank |
|---|---|
| Colonel (Superintendent) Leads the entire MDSP department and serves as the Secretary of the Department of State Police. The Superintendent is appointed by the Governor and must be confirmed by the Maryland Senate. |
| Lieutenant Colonel Each Lieutenant Colonel oversees one of the three bureaus within the State Police and is responsible for all aspects of that bureau's operation. They are appointed by the Superintendent. |
| Major Majors are responsible for supervising a command within the State Police, such as Field Operation Support Services or one of the two commands within the Field Operations Bureau. Majors are appointed by the Superintendent. |
| Captain A captain may command a troop, division, or specialized section. To become a Captain, you must complete the promotional process and score high enough to be selected for promotion. |
| Lieutenant Lieutenants have responsibilities that vary depending upon their particular assignment. They may command a barrack or a particular section. To become a Lieutenant, you must complete the promotional process and score high enough to be selected for promotion. |
Supervisory Ranks
| Badge | Rank |
|---|---|
| First Sergeant Serves as the Assistant Commander at each barrack. They also are responsible for the day-to-day supervision of all Trooper Candidates during their time in the State Police Academy. |
| Detective Sergeant Leads all the criminal investigative teams at a barrack or within specialized units. |
|
| Sergeant Serve as the supervisor of troopers during shifts and manages the daily barrack operations. |
| Corporal Serves as the first-line supervisor with barracks, often in charge of patrol teams or shift operations. Corporal is the first rank that requires a testing process for promotion. |
Trooper Ranks
| Badge | Rank |
|---|---|
| Master Trooper The Master Trooper rank recognizes the dedication and commitment of troopers who have 15 or more years of tenure. |
| Senior Trooper The Senior Trooper rank recognizes the dedication and commitment of those troopers who have 10 years of tenure. |
|
| Trooper First Class All Troopers who complete three years of satisfactory or exceptional service receive a promotion to Trooper First Class. |
Trooper Serve as the front-line officers who respond to calls, enforce laws, and assist the public. |