Cadets are assigned to perform duties that do not require police authority. They are generally assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division which is primarily tasked with conducting safety audits and compliance reviews for businesses engaged in the commercial vehicle industry.

Cadets are assigned to work under the supervision of a Trooper at a truck inspection station or on patrol. Cadets are tasked with inspecting commercial vehicles at a weight and inspection facility and assisting with roving operations.

Current Starting Salary: $25,502.00

The most significant advantage to becoming a cadet is that your time as a cadet will count toward your sworn retirement.

The Maryland State Police offers a comprehensive compensation package for its Cadets.

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: The State Police subsidizes 80% of the cost of health insurance (PPO, POS or HMO).

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

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 the Maryland State Police. For specific details on any of the above information, please contact the Recruitment Unit.

In order to become a Maryland State Cadet, you must:

• Age  - Cadet applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 20 years of age to process, and between 18 and 20 years of age to be hired.
• Must be a U.S. citizen (for more information regarding qualifications of US citizenship, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/us-citizenship​)
• Residency - Applicants do not need to be a Maryland resident.
  However, they must become a Maryland resident on the date of appointment as Cadet
• Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D.
• Must possess a valid Driver's License in any state and a satisfactory driving record. 
  Current driving record cannot exceed 3 points. In the event you exceed this requirement please wait to apply until you are at or below 3 points.
• Must be in excellent physical condition
• Binocular vision acuity must be 20/20 with or without correction
• Have a good reputation and sound moral character
• Not have any current court orders relating to domestic violence
• Be truthful in every stage of the application process
 

UNDER MPTC REGULATIONS EACH CANDIDATE MUST BE ABSENT OF CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE USE (3) THREE YEARS PRIOR TO APPLICATION.