Office of Communications

Now Hiring

Who We Are...

NRP Officer dealing with a capsized boat

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the enforcement arm of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With an authorized strength of 249 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, the NRP provide a variety of services in addition to conservation and boating law enforcement duties throughout the State of Maryland.

These services include conservation and boating law enforcement, homeland security, search and rescue, emergency medical services, education, information and communications services on a round the clock basis. NRP is the only police force aside from the Maryland State Police that has statewide jurisdiction.

"If you See Something Say Something"
Report Suspicious Activity

NRP Officer on patrol during sunset
Maryland's Natural Resources Police
are taking an active role in combating terrorism in the State of Maryland.
You too can help by reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement personnel.


The following could be indicators of potential terrorist activity:

  1. Suspicious attempts to buy or charter vessels using large cash payments.
  2. Vessels operating at night without running lights.
  3. Loading or unloading activity dockside at unusual hours.
  4. Immediate modifications or repairs to vessels demanded without regard to cost.
  5. Communications between a boat and shore by unusual means (lights, flags, etc.).
  6. Vessels riding excessively low in the water.
  7. Improper or false registration numbers.
  8. Suspicious activity around large commercial vessels (freighters, tankers, etc.) including off-loading of persons and packages on to small boats.
  9. Unusual diving activity around vessels, wharfs, bridges, dams, etc.
  10. Abandoned or unattended vessels or vehicles in or near unusual locations or near key facilities or public areas.
  11. Suspicious filming activity near public or key facilities.
  12. The throwing or recovering of items into/onto the waterways or shoreline.

Report Suspicious Activity
Contact Maryland Natural Resources Police
at 800-628-9944
or
VHF Channel 16
Hail Maryland Natural Resources Police

Our Mission

NRP Officer doing a weapon check

The Maryland Natural Resource Police serves as a public safety agency with statewide authority to enforce conservation, boating and criminal laws, as well as to provide primary law enforcement services for Maryland's State Parks, State Forests, and public lands owned and managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

The agency is also responsible for maritime and rural search and rescue, and it designated as the States lead agency for homeland security on Maryland waters; and in all of its operations and activities strives to provide superior service to all of Maryland's citizens and visitors who enjoy the states natural resources.

A Watchful Eye

Watch A Watchful Eye on PBS. See more from Outdoors Maryland.

Contact NRP

General Information: 410-260-8880

Emergencies: 410-260-8888

Catch-A-Poacher: 1-800-635-6124

Boating & Hunter
Education: 410-643-8502

Find an Office in Your Area