Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore joined Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Michael A. Jackson to welcome the graduates of the 160th Academy Class to the ranks of Maryland’s Finest during a ceremony today at LifePoint Church in Reisterstown. The governor congratulated 26 new troopers on their choice of a public service career vital to the safety and well-being of Maryland and highlighted the administration’s support of public safety initiatives that enable them to do their jobs more effectively.
“Today, after 28 weeks of training, 26 public servants earned the title of Maryland’s Finest. They chose a rigorous path because they understand that public service is a calling, and they are now essential to protecting our people and continuing to deliver historic drops in crime across Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “My pledge to the 160th Trooper Candidate Class and every member of the Maryland State Police is clear: as you protect our people, Maryland will have your back. We will continue to provide the tools and support that help law enforcement make our communities safer and ensure they return home safely.”
Among the members of the 160th Academy Class, six have prior military experience, six are paramedics, and six were Maryland State Police cadets. Eight of the recruits have college degrees and 15 are enrolled in the concurrent Associate of Arts program with Frederick Community College. These new troopers reflect the diverse backgrounds and excellence of the Maryland State Police and emphasize the department’s mission of recruiting highly qualified applicants to the force. They now join more than 1,300 troopers and 800 civilian personnel working around-the-clock across 23 barracks to serve and protect communities statewide.
“Over the last six months, these men and women have proven their dedication and commitment to serving the citizens of this state with integrity, fairness, and service,” said Colonel Michael A. Jackson. “I am proud to welcome Academy Class 160 to the ranks as they continue the legacy and tradition of Maryland’s Finest.”
The 160th Academy Class completed 28 weeks of rigorous training at the Maryland State Police Academy in Sykesville that demanded their very best, at all times. Following graduation, each trooper is required to complete eight weeks of additional field training with an experienced trooper before they are able to patrol alone. This close collaboration and comprehensive training of the academy class is helping Maryland to boast historic drops in violent crime.
The Moore-Miller Administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting public safety with historic investments in law enforcement. Governor Moore’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget invests a landmark $124.1 million for law enforcement support. This commitment is further underscored by a series of major investments in law enforcement infrastructure across the state, including the September 2025 opening of the 30,000-square-foot Berlin Barrack ‘V’, which houses a state-of-the-art crime laboratory; the Tactical Services Administration Building slated to open later this year; and the Forestville Barrack ‘L’ to open in Spring 2028. These investments are designed to help sustain the state’s historic drops in violent crime and the Administration’s all-of-the-above approach to public safety across Maryland.
The Maryland State Police is currently recruiting for the 161st Academy Class. To learn more about how to become a Maryland State Trooper, visit https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Careers/Pages/default.aspx.
