Crime Prevention
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The Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP), in collaboration with state and local partners such as the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), is dedicated to crime prevention. This is achieved through community engagement, educational programs, and data-driven initiatives.
By focusing on areas like crime hot spots and utilizing technology, the MDSP aims to reduce crime and support both local police and citizens in the development of safer communities.
Missing persons and children
Maryland uses targeted initiatives to address specific categories of crime.
- Center for Missing or Unidentified Persons assists with the recovery of missing children and adults, as well as the identification of unidentified persons.
- Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is operated and administered by the Department of State Police's Computer Crimes Unit. This federally funded task force helps enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communication systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children.
- Child Recovery Unit collaborates with various Maryland law enforcement agencies dedicated to addressing issues of missing and abducted children, as well as child prostitution and human trafficking.
Vehicle theft and safety
- Vehicle Theft Prevention Council is dedicated to reducing motor vehicle theft through statewide strategies and public awareness
- Auto Theft Unit is a regional task force that supports local auto theft efforts in the Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan areas
Criminal enforcement units
The Criminal Enforcement Division (CED) handles all criminal investigations and provides more information and contact information for the following units.
- County Specific Drug Tasks Forces target mid to upper level drug trafficking organizations operating throughout Maryland.
- State Apprehension Team services outstanding felony arrest warrants.
- Technical Crimes Unit investigates criminal activity through the use of computers, the Internet, and other areas of high technology
- Strategic Operations Group conducts overt and covert investigations into organized crime.
- Firearms Enforcement Unit Identify people illegally possessing firearms, stop firearm violence, and dismantle criminal organizations.
Resources
Office of the State Fire Marshal