MDEM has a staff of over 70 emergency management professionals, divided into three directorates – Preparedness, Operations, and Administration. The Preparedness Directorate includes exercises and training, planning, public information, private sector integration, mitigation, and recovery.  The Operations Directorate includes regional programs, the Maryland Joint Operations Center, and the State Emergency Operations Center. The Administration Directorate handles agency logistics, personnel, supplies, fiscal services, grants management, and technology support. The Secretary's​ Office has overall responsibility for the agency and direct interaction with the National Capital Region activities.
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A key element of MDEM is the Maryland Joint Operations Center (MJOC). Operated round-the-clock by National Guard and emergency managem ent professionals, it was the first joint civilian-military watch center in the country. In addition to serving as a communications hub for emergency responders statewide and supporting local emergency management, the MJOC monitors local, state, national and international events, and alerts decision-makers in Maryland when a situation warrants.​