Robert K. Ziegler Jr. Named Superintendent of the Natural Resources Police

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that Governor Larry Hogan has appointed law enforcement veteran Robert K. “Ken” Ziegler Jr. to serve as superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. The appointment takes effect immediately.

Ziegler, the department’s lieutenant colonel and a Hampstead resident, has been acting superintendent since August 2015. His law enforcement career spans more than four decades, beginning in 1972 as a cadet in the Baltimore County Police Department.

“Under Colonel Ziegler’s leadership, we have seen the Natural Resources Police continue to grow and prosper,” Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. “His background in criminal investigation and law enforcement, love for Maryland and its people, and passion for protecting our shared resources make him the right man for the job.”

Ziegler, 61, is no stranger to the department. He served as the superintendent’s executive and deputy superintendent in 2006-2007. Prior to that, he was chief of staff for the Maryland Capitol Police. He also worked as a security and safety executive in the private sector.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the fine men and women of the Maryland Natural Resources Police, the finest – and one of the oldest – conservation law enforcement agency in the nation,” Ziegler said. “It feels like I’m home again. I look forward to continuing my work with Governor Hogan and Secretary Belton on our mission to protect and preserve our natural resources.”

An integral part of the state’s natural resources agency, the Natural Resources Police has an authorized strength of 262 officers and a dedicated staff of civilian and volunteer personnel, including reserve and retired officers. It is responsible for enforcing conservation and boating safety laws, protecting state parks, public lands and waterways. The agency also leads the state’s maritime homeland security mission.