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Maryland Department of State Police

Maryland State Police Accepting Applications For 2026 Leadership and Career Development Seminar

News |

(SYKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police announces that applications are now being accepted for the annual Leadership and Career Development Seminar, which will take place from July 17-19, 2026. The goal of the free event is to develop interest and introduce high school rising juniors and seniors, and incoming college freshmen to career opportunities with the Department. 

The three-day, action-packed seminar will be held at the Maryland State Police Training Academy in Sykesville.  Those interested in starting a career in law enforcement – either sworn or civilian – are invited to learn about the Maryland State Police from troopers and civilian employees who specialize in a wide range of expertise. The seminar is a way to identify young talent and build a relationship with the community. The goal is to provide participants with hands-on experiences and an introduction to the Department’s mission-critical career opportunities. 

Attendees will learn about emergency communications, fitness and defensive tactics, facets of a law enforcement career, aviation/flight paramedics, leadership, digital forensics/cybersecurity, and details into our diverse civilian occupations. Troopers and civilian employees from various specialized units will be on hand to share their experiences about life as a state trooper or as a civilian employee in a law enforcement career. This will include representatives from Criminal Investigations, Forensic Sciences, Police Communications, Information Technology, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Along with this exciting opportunity, food and lodging will be provided on the campus of the Maryland State Police Academy. Each barrack commander will select one applicant to represent their respective county, including Baltimore City.

To qualify for enrollment, applicants must submit either a two-minute self-taped video or a written essay to explain why they are interested in a career in law enforcement.  The deadline for applications remains open. For more application guidelines, please visit this link.

Questions about the seminar and the application process can be emailed to [email protected].