§ 16-21-2501 - Investigators. - Arkansas Statutes

16-21-2501. Investigators.

(a) The prosecuting attorney of the Twentieth Judicial District is hereby authorized to appoint and employ certified law enforcement officers as investigators for the prosecuting attorney's office.

(b) In addition to the investigators listed in subsection (a) of this section, the prosecuting attorney shall have the authority to appoint or employ with or without pay at his or her discretion other investigators necessary for the administration of justice.

(c) (1) An investigator authorized and appointed shall:

(A) Have the authority to issue process, serve warrants, and possess all powers of a law enforcement officer;

(B) Be a certified law enforcement officer commissioned by the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training; and

(C) Be defined as a public safety member.

(2) (A) If an investigator issues process or serves warrants, the office of the prosecuting attorney shall be entitled to receive the same fee a sheriff is authorized to charge under 21-6-307.

(B) The fee is to be deposited into the hot check fees account.

(d) A deputy prosecuting attorney and a staff member designated by the prosecuting attorney shall be considered a law enforcement officer for all protective, emergency, investigative, and commercial purposes, either individually or in coordination with interagency cooperative investigation and operations.