The Maryland Sheriffs’ Institute (MSI)

HONORARY MEMBERS

There are two types of Honorary Members: Individual and Business, and dues are $20 and $50 per year respectively. All members receive our periodic newsletter, “On Patrol” and a decal/bumper sticker for their vehicle. Individual Members receive a wallet-size membership card, while Business Members get a wall plaque indicating their support. For an addition $5, any member can order an MSI license plate frame. Dues-paying members are our only source of support for our programs.Membership Application

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Following initial fundraising efforts, the MSI began a Scholarship Program in 1997 for students pursuing a career in criminal justice, law enforcement or similar programs. Funding for the scholarship program is supported by special solicitations made to the MSI’s Honorary Members.

The Scholarship Program process begins with an application process in each Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Each Sheriff has developed their own process for review and selection, in addition to establishing criteria in his/her own county. Sheriffs and their immediate families are not eligible to participate in the Scholarship Program.

As of July, 2009 more than $165,000 has been awarded in scholarship funds to deserving Maryland students.

TRAINING PROGRAM

In addition to the Scholarship Program, a Training Program was also established to provide professional development training and educational programs for sheriffs and their deputies to enhance law enforcement training in areas such as crime prevention, public safety, criminal investigations, K-9 training, courthouse security, domestic violence, and homeland security.

MSI MEMBERS ARE CONTACTED BY MAIL ONLY – WE DO NO TELEPHONE SOLICITATIONS, AND WE DO NOT SELL, RENT, OR SHARE OUR MEMBERSHIP LIST WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION.

The Maryland Sheriffs’ Institute is a registered charity with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office, and all donations are tax-deductible as a charitable contribution for both Federal and State purposes.

Since its inception in 1998, more than $130,000 has been awarded to deserving Maryland students who are interested in a career in the law enforcement and/or criminal justice fields.


Here are just a few of the letters we have received from students who were awarded scholarships. Although their letters were addressed to the Maryland Sheriffs' Institute, the thanks belong to our Honorary Members since it is their generosity which ensures that scholarship funds are available.

"I would like to thank you for awarding me this prestigious scholarship. I definitely enjoy going to school to further my education in law enforcement, and appreciate your helping me reach my goal to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice. I recently was hired by the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office for a Police Communications Operator position, and hope to stay here until I become of age to go into the police academy. Law enforcement is what I really would love to do with my life - a goal I have set for myself ever since I can remember. I plan to make you proud with my dedication to my school work."

Jeffrey H.
Wicomico County

"I would like to take this opportunity to send my deepest appreciation for the Maryland Sheriffs' Institute Scholarship that I was awarded. This fall will mark my fourth and final year at Frostburg State University where I am triple majoring in Political Science, Sociology, and Law and Society. After graduation, I am going to pursue a Master's degree...and Doctorate. Ultimately, I would like to become a Professor at Frostburg State.

"I would like to thank you again, and let you know that I will work my hardest to ensure that it is money well spent."

Brandon H.
Allegany County

"Thank you for the MSI Scholarship. As you know, it can be very tedious to manage a budget...(and) it can be stressful to find a way to maintain a balance. This scholarship greatly assists my abilities to be able to pay for my tuition, and be able to put more time and consideration into my studies instead of my financial standing. As I continue along my academic career, I will continue to put forth my best effort, knowing that there are great rewards, personally as well as professionally. It is my goal to work for the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and this award is more motivation and incentive to continue to pursue my goals. Thank you."

Joel F.
Washington County

"I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for making an investment in my academic future. I am a first-generation college student who is planning to attend law school upon completion of my undergraduate work at Frostburg. I am currently a Political Science and Justice Studies major and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Your generosity has, in part, enabled me to continue my studies...your generosity inspires students to achieve academic success."

Brandon B.
Allegany County

"I am currently a student at Cecil Community College...and one day I will be working in the criminal justice field. I hope to become a social worker or some kind of advocate for juvenile offenders. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you...for the scholarship...(and) for helping to make my dreams of going to college come true."

La Toya B.
Cecil County

Membership Application