NCJ Number
197513
Date Published
2002
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This document provides the annual report of the Maryland State Police (MSP) for the year 2001.
Abstract
On September 11, 2001, the MSP was called into action to assist in coordinating a statewide emergency response. Members of the MSP Special Operations Division provided escorts to transports of blood, medical supplies, communications resources, heavy equipment, and other items headed through the State to either Washington, DC or New York City. The MSP strengthened road patrols and special security details at locations around the State. Federal agencies asked the MSP to provide security at government installations. The Aviation Division received special permission to continue to fly MedEvac and law enforcement missions. The Criminal Intelligence Division activated the Maryland Terrorism Network and facilitated the flow of information among Maryland law enforcement agencies. The Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division inspected all vehicle loads to insure the documentation and paperwork were legitimate. MSP troopers were ordered to Baltimore Washington International, Salisbury, and Hagerstown airports to assist in airport security. Other personnel assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies in tracking down investigative leads. Improving communications between emergency responders at disaster scenes and giving police access to critical information have become priorities as a result of the terrorist attacks. A pilot Wireless Interoperability Project was begun in November. This project is designed to use proven technology that can connect multiple radio frequencies and enable public safety personnel to talk to each other over their own radios. An additional demonstration project to allow individual officers to access the Maryland Interagency Law Enforcement System and the National Crime Information Center via handheld wireless devices was also implemented.