BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Transportation Authority Police celebrated the state’s newest police officers during a ceremony at Towson University on Friday. Members of Recruit Class 56 completed a demanding academy training program that began in June 2022.

“Graduation is a reflection of the commitment of our recruits, instructors and partners,” MDTA Police Chief Col. Kevin M. Anderson said. “These capable, new officers have prepared for a challenging and rewarding career of service.”

Recruit Class 56 began with 24 recruits, and 17 persevered through the rigorous combination of college level coursework and physical training. The graduates include new police officers for the MDTA Police, the Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) Police, the Annapolis Police Department, the Greenbelt Police Department and the Towson University Police Department.

“The members of Recruit Class 56 have devoted themselves to serve and protect our communities, whether it’s with MDTA Police, MDOT MTA Police or other law enforcement agencies across the state,” said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Acting Maryland Transportation Secretary and Acting Chair of the MDTA Board. “We’re grateful for the dedication of these men and women, and thankful for the support their families give them every day.”

Police recruits are required to pass academic courses through the Community College of Baltimore County covering subjects such as criminal and constitutional law, while also completing significant physical and defensive tactics training. Recruits also complete classes in first aid, crisis intervention, traffic safety, community policing, de-escalation and other topics.

“These men and women have dedicated their futures to serving Marylanders and our communities.” MDTA Executive Director William Pines said. “We’re proud of our newest generation of compassionate and committed police officers.”

The new MDTA Police Officers will now be assigned to experienced Field Training Officers (FTOs) for additional training. The FTOs will build on academy training with practical application of what the new officers have learned.

MDTA Police Officers will then be assigned to detachments at MDTA toll facilities, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and the Port of Baltimore. After completing a two-year probation period, officers will be eligible to pursue specialized assignments, such as the Special Response Team, K-9 Unit, Motor Unit or Criminal Investigations Unit.