Gov Moore Nominee to Become First Black Maryland State Police Superintendent if Confirmed

Governor Wes Moore's nominee for State Police Superintendent will become the first black person in that role if confirmed. 

To lead the Maryland State Police and usher in this new era of law enforcement strategy, Governor Moore named Lt. Col. Roland Butler (pictured above on the right) as the new Maryland State Police Superintendent. Lt. Col. Butler has nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including as Chief of the State Police Field Operations Bureau, where he led a patrol force of more than 1,000 troopers and investigative personnel assigned to 23 barracks.

If confirmed by the Maryland Senate, he will be the first Black person to lead the agency.  

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Maryland State Police under Governor Moore’s mission to truly improve the quality of life of citizens across the state,” said Lt. Col. Butler. “I know the task ahead of me will not be easy but I am ready, and so are the women and men of the Maryland State Police, to make an impact on our communities, and protect all Marylanders and those traveling through the state.”

During his career, Lt. Col. Butler served in both line and supervisory positions as he was promoted through the ranks, rising to become the sixth African-American lieutenant colonel in the 102-year history of the Maryland State Police. He has ​served on the superintendent’s staff, in the Maryland State Police Support Services Bureau Office of Equity ​and Inclusion, and ​in other positions throughout ​the Field Operations Bureau.