Section 2-208.5 - Authority of City of Hagerstown fire and explosive investigator. - Maryland Statutes

§ 2-208.5. Authority of City of Hagerstown 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 City of Hagerstown Fire Marshal's Office and is a paid employee; 

(2) has been employed by the City of Hagerstown Fire Department as a firefighter for at least 5 years; 

(3) 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; and 

(4) at all times maintains active certification by the Police Training Commission. 

(b)  Authority of investigator.- Except as provided in subsection (c) 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 the City of Hagerstown; and 

(2) while operating outside the City of Hagerstown 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. 

(c)  Limitation of authority.- The City of Hagerstown Fire Chief: 

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

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

[2008, chs. 428, 429.]