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(SYKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland Department of State Police hosted its fifth annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar on July 12 - July 14. This free event brought together rising high school juniors, seniors and incoming college freshmen, who were eager to learn more about career opportunities within the Department.
The participants, who traveled from across the state, were provided a unique two-day experience at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville. As part of the seminar, participants spent the weekend at the Academy, learning from troopers and civilian employees who specialize in a wide range of expertise.
Attendees learned about the different facets of a career with MDSP including emergency communications, aviation/flight paramedics, digital forensics, cybersecurity, and the variety of civilian opportunities. This included representatives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau, Aviation Command, Forensic Sciences Division, Police Communications Support Division, Information Technology and the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Troopers issued a combined 10,068 citations and warnings and recorded 106 arrests for suspected driving under the influence from July 3-7 as part of the Department's July 4th holiday enforcement efforts.
State Troopers from all 23 barracks across Maryland conducted saturation patrols over the four-day span. Increased enforcement efforts were funded by the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office. The State Police Impaired Driving Reduction Effort team—a specialized unit trained to identify impaired drivers—also worked to reduce alcohol-related injuries and fatalities.
MDSP also on July 2 joined with the Maryland Highway Safety Office for our annual news conference to remind motorists to drive responsibly over the holiday weekend and beyond.
"Remember that your actions behind the wheel have a ripple effect that extends well beyond your vehicle. There's no excuse to get behind the wheel impaired," Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Pickett, Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, said.
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(McHENRY, MD) -- The Maryland State Police Aviation Command on July 9 assisted Pennsylvania State Police in rescuing two boys from a hot car after a vehicle pursuit concluded in Pennsylvania.
Trooper 5, a helicopter crew stationed in Allegany County, located the abandoned suspect vehicle near the Pennsylvania-Maryland border. Touching down in a nearby field, Trooper 5 found the children, both aged 3, inside the car.
The vehicle was turned off with the windows closed and the doors shut. The boys were unharmed. Pennsylvania State Police responded and assumed the investigation.
Troopers from the Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack initiated a pursuit after receiving a DUI lookout from the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office. The efforts of law enforcement prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council urged motorists to take precautions against vehicle thefts as part of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month last month.
Taking proactive measures to prevent vehicle theft is even more important today. Nationally, vehicle thefts have increased 25 percent from 2019 to 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Maryland experienced a significant increase in vehicle thefts from 2022 to 2023 due in large part to the national trend of Kia and Hyundai thefts being on the rise. Overall, a car is stolen every 32 seconds in the United States and every 47 minutes in Maryland, according to the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council.
Leaving vehicles unlocked or with keys or your fob inside are the primary causes of vehicle thefts. The stolen vehicles are then sold for parts or used to commit other crimes. Citizens must remain vigilant in safeguarding themselves and their property.
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Happy End-of-Summer! If you’re like me, you’re wondering how we are already in the month of August. This time of year is a hectic transition period for many of us as kids go back to school. Here are a few mental health tips to help you navigate the end of summer:
- Embrace Routine: Start transitioning back into a regular routine to ease the shift into the fall season.
- Stay Active: Engage in physical activities to boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Get Outside: Continue to enjoy outdoor activities and soak up the remaining sunlight to keep your vitamin D levels up.
- Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing to stay grounded.
- Plan Fun Activities: Schedule enjoyable activities or short trips to look forward to, easing any end-of-summer blues.
- Stay Connected: Maintain social connections with friends and family to feel supported and less isolated.
- Set Goals: Set small, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated and focused.
- Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep to maintain your mental and physical well-being.
- Reflect and Reassess: Take some time to reflect on your summer experiences and set intentions for the upcoming season.
- Seek Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to me or another mental health professional.
Be well, E.
301-501-0386
ericas.carlson@maryland.gov
P.S. - If you have ideas for future mental health articles- or even tough questions you’d like answered- please feel free to text or email me. I’d love to write about topics that interest you.
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Erica Carlson, LCSW-C, is the MDSP's first full-time Mental Health Clinical Provider. She has worked in the mental health profession for more than 30 years.
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(PIKESVILLE, MD) - On July 15, current and retired, sworn and civilian personnel, came together to celebrate the retirement of long-time Police Communications Support Division employee, Sam Burgess. Sam has dedicated over 52 years of service to the State of Maryland, with an incredible 49 years of service devoted to the Maryland Department of State Police.
Mr. Burgess began his career with MDSP in November 1974 as a teletype operator at the State Central Records Bureau. He transferred to the Randallstown Barrack in 1977, working as a Police Communications Operator until its closure. In January 1988 he accepted a position, where he would later finish out his career, with the Communications Service Division (aka Police Communications Support Division).
As a Supervisor at PCSD, Mr. Burgess was responsible for overseeing six police communications system technicians. His team operated as the 24-hour component of the Maryland Control Point, overseeing critical operations for Maryland law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.
Known by his supervisors and colleagues for his smile and positive attitude, Mr. Burgess' dedication and work ethic have left an undeniable mark on the Department. He ensured his section was staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, often working weekends, holidays, and 16-hour shifts himself. Even after his retirement, Mr. Burgess continued to assist PCSD.
Thank you Mr. Burgess for your four decades of service and dedication to MDSP. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement.
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(FORESTVILLE, MD) -- On July 9, TFC Williams and TPR Luongo from the Forestville Barrack participated in "Check 6 Foundation #35 Pilot For A Day."
Check 6's mission is to provide unique experiences and support to children with serious medical illnesses and veteran families.
TFC Williams and TPR Luongo provided an escort for this year's honoree, Clyde Hicks, escorting him and his family from Andrews Air Force Base to the National Harbor.
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(McHENRY, MD) -- LT Sigmund and S/TPR Smith from the McHenry Barrack participated in Garrett County's Camp Caring with personnel from the Garrett County Sheriff's Office, Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and Southern Garrett Rescue Squad. Camp Caring is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing week-long summer camps and social clubs for youth with significant cognitive disabilities. |
(BERLIN, MD) – TPR Gibbons from the Berlin Barrack traveled down to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility with the Pocomoke Chapter of the Boys & Girls Club. It was a hot, but fun, day. Mission accomplished. |
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The Maryland Department of State Police is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within our Department and within the communities we serve.
The focus of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion includes comprehensive training programs, community outreach and recruitment efforts aimed at building a team that reflects the diverse population of Maryland.
Together, we strive to create an inclusive environment where every individual is respected and valued.
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