Section 2-208.4 - Authority of Worcester County fire and explosive investigator. - Maryland Statutes

§ 2-208.4. Authority of Worcester County fire and explosive investigator.
 

(a)  "Fire and explosive investigator" defined.- In this section, "fire and explosive investigator" means an individual who: 

(1) is assigned full time to the fire and explosive investigations section of the County Fire Marshal's Office; and 

(2) (i) has the rank of deputy fire marshal or higher; and 

(ii) has successfully completed a training program from a police training school approved by the Police Training Commission established under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Public Safety Article. 

(b)  Applicability of section.- This section applies only to Worcester County. 

(c)  Authority of investigator.- Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, a fire and explosive investigator has the same authority granted to the State Fire Marshal or a full-time investigative and inspection assistant of the Office of the State Fire Marshal under § 2-208 of this subtitle: 

(1) while operating in Worcester County; and 

(2) while operating outside Worcester County when: 

(i) the fire and explosive investigator is participating in a joint investigation with officials from another state, federal, or local law enforcement unit, at least one of which has local jurisdiction; 

(ii) the fire and explosive investigator is rendering assistance to another law enforcement officer; 

(iii) the fire and explosive investigator is acting at the request of a law enforcement officer or State law enforcement officer; or 

(iv) an emergency exists. 

(d)  Limitation of authority.- The County Fire Marshal: 

(1) may limit the authority of a fire and explosive investigator under this section; and 

(2) shall express the limitation in a written policy. 
 

[2007, ch. 619.]