BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police celebrated Maryland’s newest police officers during a ceremony at MDTA Police Headquarters on Wednesday evening. Members of Officer Candidate Class 59 completed a demanding academy training program that began in June 2024.

Ten new MDTA Police Officers and one Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer persevered through the rigorous training program. 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.

The new Maryland Transportation Authority 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 Maryland Transportation Authority 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.

Photo via MDTA Police