The Maryland Transit Administration Police Officers patrol trains, buses, rail stations and maintenance facilities. (MDOT MTA)
Across Maryland’s transportation system, keeping people safe involves the coordinated work of dedicated public servants including emergency responders and specialized police forces whose mission is protecting how people move across the state. It follows the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Serious About Safety initiative to provide the safest transportation network in the nation. For National Police Week (May 11-15), we are highlighting MDOT’s three police forces and recognizing the dedicated officers who serve with purpose, courage, dedication and integrity.
Maryland Transit Administration Police
Every day, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) helps Marylanders get to their destinations safely. As one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the nation, MTA has a police force with more than 180 sworn officers who patrol trains, buses, rail stations and maintenance facilities across the network. The authority of MTA Police Officers extends across the state, allowing them to investigate crimes, respond to emergencies and enforce the law anywhere transit operations are involved.
In addition, MTA Police Officers help maintain MTA’s record as one of the safest transit agencies in the nation. Data-driven deployment tools help the department place officers where they are needed most, whether that is a crowded downtown station or a late-night commuter route.
Maryland Transportation Authority Police
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police force patrols some of the most critical transportation infrastructure in the state. Their jurisdiction includes the state’s toll roads, bridges and tunnels along with providing law enforcement services at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Port of Baltimore. MDTA Police officers also respond to traffic crashes and disabled vehicles while also investigating crimes. The MDTA Police enforces all traffic laws and criminal statues to ensure public safety. Enforcing even minor traffic violations can prove beneficial; catching small problems early can prevent a more serious issue down the road.
With more than 500 sworn officers and civilian professionals, the MDTA Police force is one of the largest law-enforcement agencies in Maryland. In 2025, officers responded to more than 130,000 calls for service.
MDTA Police Officers patrol Maryland toll roads, bridges and tunnels along with providing law enforcement services at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Port of Baltimore. (MDTA)
Motor Vehicle Administration Police
While the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is known as the place for handling vehicle registration and issuing driver’s licenses, the MVA also has its own police force. MVA police officers respond to crashes, assist disabled motorists and handle emergency calls on MVA property. In some cases, MVA police officers also respond to emergencies on property adjacent to MVA buildings. These men and women stand on the front lines of roadway safety, helping keep Maryland’s transportation network running smoothly while protecting drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated police officers serving at the Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland Transit Administration and Motor Vehicle Administration, along with our partners at the Maryland State Police, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the region,” said Maryland Transportation Katie Thomson. “Their professionalism, courage and commitment help keep Marylanders safe every day.”
While enforcement is a visible part of the job, prevention is just as important. MDOT’s officers frequently partner with other state and federal agencies on homeland security efforts, counter-terrorism initiatives and regional emergency preparedness planning to protect transportation infrastructure that millions rely on every day.
So the next time you step on board a bus, cross a bridge, drive through a tunnel or fly out of BWI Marshall Airport, take a moment to appreciate the complex transportation system helping you get to your destination safely. There are people behind it; officers watching traffic cameras; patrol units moving along highways late at night; and transit police walking through stations as trains arrive and depart.
Their presence is part of what keeps Marylanders moving safely every day, and if something ever seems wrong around you, remember the simple message that helps keep the system secure for everyone: If you see something, say something.
Victory Anase Momoh is an Intern at the Maryland Department of Transportation.
