Major, Maryland Capitol Police

Overview

The Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) provides essential support to state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and Maryland residents through facilities management, real estate and surplus property services, building security and law enforcement, engineering, design and construction services, contract administration, and state procurement oversight. The department is seeking an experienced law enforcement executive to help lead the Maryland Capitol Police Department in Annapolis.

Position Details

This role is based at the Maryland Capitol Police Department at 29 St. Johns Street in Annapolis. The Major serves as a senior command officer responsible for day-to-day law enforcement operations, supervision of bureau and office functions, and protection of state facilities, government leaders, state employees, and visitors. This position directly oversees Captains and Lieutenants, reports to the Chief of Police and Deputy Chief of Police, and stands third in the chain of command. In the absence of the Chief or Deputy Chief, this officer may take over overall command of the department.

What You Will Do

• Lead and assess subordinate staff by reviewing outcomes, ensuring work aligns with departmental policies, procedures, and directives.
• Help create, update, and carry out policies and procedures, and explain them clearly to Maryland Capitol Police members.
• Coordinate assignments, special operations, emergency responses, and weather-related events while making sure staffing, budget use, and notifications to internal and external partners are handled appropriately.
• Build and sustain strong professional relationships that promote trust and effective leadership across the department, other state employees, and the public visiting state facilities.

Qualifications

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or hold a high school equivalency certificate accepted by the Maryland State Board of Education, in line with Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission rules. Candidates are also required to have 10 years of professional experience as a certified law enforcement officer.

Military service may be substituted year-for-year for the required experience if the service was at the rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher in protective service or law enforcement specialty roles within the Military Police Officer field.

Preferred Background

While not mandatory, stronger consideration will be given to applicants who bring the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Between 2 and 5 years of experience in a commissioned supervisory or command role, such as Captain or higher.
• Completion of executive leadership training, such as FBI National Academy, FBI-LEEDA, SMIP, Northwestern School of Police and Command, or a similar program.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and inspire a diverse law enforcement team.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for dealing with agencies, officials, and the public.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills in high-pressure settings.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities independently in a demanding, fast-moving environment.

Licenses, Certifications, and Conditions of Employment

A valid driver’s license with a clean driving history is required, and the driving record will be checked during the background screening process. The selected candidate must obtain Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission police certification within six months of hire.

Additional hiring conditions include U.S. citizenship, being at least 21 years old, passing a background investigation that includes criminal history and internal affairs review, completing oral and one-on-one interviews with the Chief of Police, passing a physical examination, and holding a driver’s license valid in Maryland.

This classification is subject to call-in, so the employee must provide a reachable phone number. The role may require carrying firearms and demonstrating periodic safe handling and care of firearms as required by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission. Substance abuse testing may also be required under Maryland regulations. Candidates must meet law enforcement physical fitness standards, including passing a physical fitness test, and be able to work outdoors in difficult weather conditions. Work may include irregular schedules, such as nights, weekends, and holidays.

Selection Process

Applicants must submit complete and accurate information about all relevant education and experience by the closing date. Late-submitted qualifications will not be considered. Relevant part-time, temporary, and volunteer experience will be credited based on hours worked per week, so applicants should include the time spent on such activities.

For roles requiring a college degree or college credit, applicants will need to provide an official transcript before an offer is made; transcripts may be submitted with the application. Screening will be based on education, training, and experience related to the role. Qualified candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The eligibility list will remain active for one year and may be extended, and it may also be used for future openings in the same classification.

Selected candidates may need to complete both State and Federal fingerprint-based background checks before hire. Applicants must also be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Benefits

• Complimentary mass transit in Baltimore and Annapolis.
• Paid leave that grows with service length.
• Paid holidays.
• Health insurance with low out-of-pocket expenses.
• Employee and employer pension contributions.

Application Guidance

For recruitment questions, contact linda.wallace@maryland.gov or call 410-767-1386. Online submission is strongly encouraged through the Maryland Department of General Services careers page. If online submission is not possible, paper applications may be mailed to Human Resources, Dept. of General Services, 301 W. Preston St., Suite 1311, Baltimore, MD 21201 by the closing date and time. TTY users may use Maryland Relay.

Equal Opportunity

Maryland is an equal opportunity employer and works to hire, retain, and advance a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state. Applicants with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. The state also recognizes and appreciates the service of veterans.