The S.T.A.T.E. Team (SWAT) was created in 1979 to provide the Maryland State Police with a team of highly trained troopers to respond to high-risk incidents beyond the capability and knowledge of other troopers.

S.T.A.T.E. handles hostage barricade incidents, high risk warrant services, dignitary protection, WMD/CBRNE incidents, waterborne operations, and terrorism-related incidents. The group also serves as a training and evaluation resource for the Maryland State Police Academy, in-service personnel, and allied agencies on local, state, federal and international levels. Topics range from patrol, firearms and tactics, such as active shooter response. The team also regularly assists allied police departments with the resolution of critical incidents.