The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) is the law enforcement arm of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), tasked with enforcing laws on the state's public lands and waterways, protecting fish and wildlife, and leading search and rescue efforts.

[8][9] The NRP traces its lineage to an act of the Maryland General Assembly in 1868 creating the State Oyster Police Force in order to enforce 1830 and 1865 laws regulating oyster-harvesting and conservation.

[8] Davidson acquired a 12-pounder Dahlgren howitzer for the force's first steamer, Leila, for use in the gun battles between the Oyster Police and the illegal dredgers.

During these Oyster Wars the force had a fleet, largely of schooners such as Julia Hamilton but included armed steamers.

[8] In 1890, the state enacted its first uniform natural resources conservation law for the protection of game birds and animals.

[8] Shortly after the nation's entry into World War I the Navy proposed that the State Fishery Force boats and personnel be used to maintain constant local patrols.

[14] The NRP's mission expanded to include law enforcement duties for the state's parks, forests, and other lands managed by the DNR.

The purpose of the Response Team Section is to provide ancillary support within the Agency as needed in specialized/focused areas such as: The Homeland Security & Intelligence Section coordinates and assists in the evaluation of NRP's capabilities, weaknesses in resources, personnel, training and current policies in relationship to identified Homeland Security targets and issues.

Officers are issued the Safariland Model 6365 holsters along with a double magazine pouch for wear on the duty belt.

Non-Commissioned officers, in addition to sidearm and magazines, carry the following on the Duty Belt; Handcuffs, OC pepper spray, expandable baton, personally owned flashlights, and portable radio holster.

Other vessel manufacturers include Boston Whaler, Brunswick Government and Commercial Products, Sea Ark, Zodiac boat and more.

Patrol vessels are equipped with blue lights, sirens, VHF and police radios, computer docking stations and Garmin navigation systems.