Maryland   Department of State Police

 The Cadet Program

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State Trooper

Trooper / Flight Paramedic​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Cadet​​​

 

 

 

MSP Diversity​

 

 

 

State Fire Marshal​​


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​RECRUITMENT CALEN​DAR | FAQS | MISSION​

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THE CADET PROGRAM​

The Maryland State Police has a unique, unclassified position available to young men and women: State Police Cadet. Cadet applicants must be 18 years of age and a high school gra​duate (or equivalent) to be considered for employment. The main purpose of this position is to expose young men and women to the various duties and responsibilities of Maryland State Troopers and to better prepare them to become Troopers when they reach the age of 21.

 If you have any questions please email msp.recruiting@maryland.gov.

Thank you for considering a career with the Maryland State Police.

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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: $36,093

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.

Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP): The Maryland State Police participates in the The Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP), which provides another path to retirement for eligible members of the State Police Retirement System. Under this voluntary program, you can “retire” (and begin accumulating your retirement benefits in a DROP account) while you continue to work (and receive a paycheck) with the Maryland State Police.
Additional information on the DROP can be locate at: https://sra.maryland.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/benefithandbook-msp.pdf?1604515347

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

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.
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The hiring process for Cadet Candidates is structured, rigorous and detailed. It is designed to help select those applicants who are most qualified. Below you will find an overview of the process. You must successfully complete each step to move on in the process.​

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR CADET POSITIONS

The beginning step of the process is completing the first part of the online application, please click on the Online Application Link to receive further instructions.

PLEASE NOTE: It is the goal of the Maryland State Police to hire applicants who possess the qualifications and the dedication to become a Trooper. Please understand that if you successfully complete all phases of this process, you MAY receive a Final Offer of Employment. Candidates are hired based upon the needs of the Department. Successful completion of all phases of the hiring process does not guarantee a Final Offer of Employment.

For questions regarding ADA considerations please contact the Recruitment Unit.  

 

The Maryland State Police Recruitment and Selection Unit would appreciate information regarding the success of their Recruitment initiatives. Please complete and submit the Trooper/Cadet Interest Survey. Please note the survey is anonymous.

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

  • Age  - Cadet applicants must be between the ages of 17 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.
  • 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

A CADET APPLICANT MUST BE ABSENT OF CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE USE (1) ONE YEAR PRIOR TO APPLICATION. ANY CADET OFFERED EMPLOYMENT MUST BE ABLE TO MEET MPCTC REGULATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION.



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