Professional Training Standards
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office holds itself to the highest professional training standards. Every deputy sheriff and correctional officer receives training that meets or exceeds the requirements set by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC), as well as federal, state, and local standards.
The Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy
All new deputy and correctional officer recruits attend the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy (SMCJA), located in Charles County. The academy was created in 1988 by the sheriffs of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties to meet the training needs of a growing region. Before the academy existed, local agencies depended on outside organizations for basic training.
Today, the SMCJA provides:
- Basic entrance-level training for deputy and correctional officer recruits
- Annual in-service training for experienced officers
- Specialized courses for law enforcement and corrections professionals
From Recruit to Patrol
When recruits graduate from the academy, they are assigned to a Field Training Program. During this time, they work under the supervision of certified Field Training Officers who provide hands-on experience and evaluations in real-world situations.
After successfully completing field training, new deputies are typically assigned to the Patrol Division, where they continue to grow through mentoring and ongoing professional development.
Continuing Education and Career Development
Training does not end at graduation. Throughout their careers, deputies and correctional officers are required to complete annual COMAR-mandated training, as well as additional courses assigned by the Sheriff’s Office.
These continuing education opportunities may include:
- Legal and policy updates
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Active threat response
- Investigative techniques
- Leadership and supervision
- Specialized Certifications
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing its members with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to serve the community professionally and effectively.
Commitment to Excellence
By investing in quality training and ongoing education, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office ensures that every member is well-prepared, confident, and capable of performing their duties with integrity and professionalism.