<section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-101" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Central Repository” means the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Certification card” means a card issued by the Secretary under § 13-406 of this title to an individual certified as a private detective.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Firm” means a partnership or corporation.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Firm member” means a partner of a partnership or an officer or director of a corporation.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued by the Secretary to conduct a business to provide private detective services.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Licensed private detective agency” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a person who is licensed by the Secretary to conduct a business that provides private detective services.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“Private detective” means an individual who personally provides private detective services.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Private detective agency” means a person who conducts a business that provides private detective services.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <level label="1"> <text>“Provide private detective services” means to provide, for compensation, the service of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>conducting an investigation that concerns:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a crime or wrong committed, assumed to have been committed, or threatened to be committed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the identity, habits, conduct, movement, location, affiliations, associations, transactions, reputation, or character of any person;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the credibility of a witness or of any other individual;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the location of a missing individual;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the location or recovery of lost or stolen property;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the origin or cause of or responsibility for:</text> </level> <level label="A"> <text>a fire;</text> </level> <level label="B"> <text>an accident;</text> </level> <level label="C"> <text>any damage to or loss of property; or</text> </level> <level label="D"> <text>an injury to an individual;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the affiliation, connection, or relation of any person with an organization or other person; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>the activities, conduct, efficiency, loyalty, or honesty of any employee, agent, contractor, or subcontractor;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>securing evidence for use before any investigating committee, board of award, or board of arbitration or for use in the trial of any civil or criminal cause;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>nonuniformed personal protection; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>conducting an investigation to locate or apprehend a fugitive from justice, unless the person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conducting the investigation is a property bail bondsman or licensed by the Insurance Commissioner of the State or a similar licensing body of another state as a bail bondsman;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is an employee of a property bail bondsman or a licensed bail bondsman for the purpose of locating or apprehending fugitives from justice; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>is authorized as an agent by a property bail bondsman or licensed bail bondsman in advance of the apprehension of a fugitive from justice.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Provide private detective services” does not include:</text> <level label="i"> <text>performing any activity of a person who is engaged exclusively in the business of making investigations and reports that relate to the financial standing, creditworthiness, or financial responsibility of any person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>performing any activity of a person who is engaged exclusively in the business of making a report for an insurance or credit purpose, except if the making of the report involves an investigation or surveillance of a sort normally performed by a person who otherwise is subject to this title;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>monitoring an electronically controlled burglar or fire alarm system with a central unit; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>making a marketing survey.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Representative member” means a firm member who is appointed under § 13-302(b) of this title to act on behalf of the firm.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“Secretary” means the Secretary of State Police.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-102" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions; General Provisions"> <text>This title does not apply:</text> <level label="1"> <text>to an officer or employee of any unit of the United States, of any state, or of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of any state, while performing a duty of the office or employment;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>to a lawyer, while performing any activity that relates to the lawyer’s regular practice of law in the State;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>to an individual who, as a regular part-time or full-time employee of a lawyer, provides services that relate to the lawyer’s regular practice of law in the State;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>to an individual who is regularly and exclusively employed as an investigator or in any other capacity by a person who is not engaged in the business of providing private detective services, while performing any duty of the employment;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>to a person who is licensed to engage in insurance business of any kind in the State, while conducting that business, or to any employee or licensed agent of that person, while conducting that business;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>to an independent insurance adjuster, while conducting the business of an insurance adjuster;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>to a person while conducting an investigation solely for the person’s own account; or</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>to a special police officer appointed and while performing under Title 3, Subtitle 3 of the Public Safety Article or § 16-16 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Baltimore City.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-201" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Secretary"> <text>Subject to the provisions of this title, the Secretary is responsible for the licensing of private detective agencies and the regulation of those persons who provide private detective services in the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-202" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Secretary"> <level label="a"> <text>In addition to any powers set forth elsewhere, the Secretary may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt regulations to carry out this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>use any member of the Department of State Police, as necessary, to carry out and enforce this title; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>make inquiries and conduct an investigation regarding any applicant:</text> <level label="i"> <text>for a license; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for employment with a licensee as a private detective.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Secretary shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt regulations that set standards for the certification of employees of private detective agencies as private detectives;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>keep a roster of the individuals certified as private detectives under this title, including on the roster:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the names of individuals certified;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the name of the licensed private detective agency with or by which each individual is associated or employed; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any other information that the Secretary considers appropriate; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>adopt by regulation a schedule of fines for violations of this title that may be assessed by the Secretary under §§ 13-313 and 13-409 of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-203" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Secretary"> <text>The Secretary and all members of the Department of State Police:</text> <level label="1"> <text>shall treat as confidential any information obtained through an investigation of an applicant for a license or for certification under this title; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>unless required by a court order or subpoena, may not divulge to a person who is not a member of the Department of State Police or a member of any other law enforcement agency that is conducting an official investigation any information obtained through an investigation of an applicant for a license or for certification under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-204" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Secretary"> <text>On the request of the Secretary, the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City shall assist and advise the Secretary regarding the investigation in Baltimore City of any applicant for a license or for certification under this title.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-205" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Secretary"> <text>The Secretary shall pay all money collected under this title into the General Fund of the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-206" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Secretary"> <text>Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Secretary in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-301" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this title, a person shall be licensed by the Secretary as a private detective agency before the person may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conduct a business that provides private detective services in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>solicit to engage in a business that provides private detective services in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual or a firm may qualify for a license as a private detective agency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-302" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>To qualify for a license, an applicant shall meet the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, the firm shall appoint a firm member as the representative member to make the application on behalf of the firm.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>If the applicant is an individual, the applicant shall be of good character and reputation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, each firm member shall be of good character and reputation.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The individual applicant or the representative member shall be at least 25 years old.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The applicant shall meet the experience requirements of § 13-303 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-303" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “organized police agency” means:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a police department of the State or of a county or municipal corporation of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a private police department that is allowed to enroll its officers in approved Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission schools and academies; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a law enforcement agency of the United States, of any state, or of any county or municipal corporation of any state.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual applicant or, if the applicant is a firm, the representative member shall have:</text> <level label="1"> <text>at least 5 years of experience as a full–time certified or licensed private detective;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>at least:</text> <level label="i"> <text>5 years of experience as a full–time police officer with an organized police agency; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>completed successfully a police officer training course that is recognized and approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission;</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>at least 3 years of experience in an investigative capacity as a detective while serving as a police officer with an organized police agency;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>at least:</text> <level label="i"> <text>3 years of experience in an investigative capacity in any unit of the United States, of the State, or of a county or municipal corporation of the State for the purpose of law enforcement; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>completed successfully the police officer training required by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>at least:</text> <level label="i"> <text>5 years of experience as a full–time fire investigator for a fire department or law enforcement agency of the State or of a county or municipal corporation of the State; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>completed successfully the training certified by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission or the Maryland Fire–Rescue Education and Training Commission.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-304" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for a license shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submit to the Secretary an application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>submit the documents required under this section; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>pay to the Secretary, in a method approved by the Secretary, the fees required under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, the representative member shall complete the application and otherwise be responsible for the firm’s compliance with this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>An applicant for a license shall pay to the Secretary an application fee of:</text> <level label="i"> <level label="1"> <text>$200, if the applicant is an individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$375, if the applicant is a firm; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fees authorized under subsection (c)(2) of this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>As part of the application for a license, the applicant shall submit to the Secretary the fingerprints required under subsection (c)(2)(i) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, the applicant shall pay the cost of the fingerprint card record checks for each firm member.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The Department of State Police shall apply to the Central Repository for a State and national criminal history records check for each applicant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the Department of State Police shall submit to the Central Repository:</text> <level label="i"> <text>two complete sets of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken on forms approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>In accordance with §§ 10–201 through 10–234 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the applicant and the Department of State Police a printed statement of the applicant’s criminal history record information.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>The subject of a criminal history records check under this section may contest the contents of the printed statement issued by the Central Repository as provided in § 10–223 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the applicant is an individual, the application provided by the Secretary shall require:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the name of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the age of the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the address of the applicant; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the current and previous employment of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, the application provided by the Secretary shall require:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a list of all of the firm members; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>for each firm member, the same information required regarding an individual applicant under paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>For all applicants, the application shall require:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the address of the applicant’s proposed principal place of business and of each proposed branch office;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any trade or fictitious name that the applicant intends to use while conducting the business of the private detective agency;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the submission of a facsimile of any trademark that the applicant intends to use while conducting the business of the private detective agency; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>as the Secretary considers appropriate, any other information to assist in the evaluation of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an individual applicant; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the applicant is a firm, any firm member.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The application provided by the Secretary shall contain a statement advising the applicant that willfully making a false statement on an application is a misdemeanor, subject to a fine or imprisonment or both, as provided under §§ 13–705 and 13–707 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>If the applicant is an individual, the application shall be signed, under oath, by the individual.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, the application shall be signed, under oath, by the representative member, as the representative member, and by all the other firm members.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>If the applicant is an individual, the application shall be accompanied by at least three names of individuals who can attest to the character of the applicant.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the applicant is a firm, the application shall be accompanied by at least three names of individuals who can attest to the character of each firm member.</text> </level> </level> <level label="h"> <text>An applicant for a license who intends to employ at least 5 individuals as private detectives shall submit with the application proof of commercial general liability insurance, including errors and omissions and completed operations with a $1,000,000 total aggregate minimum, as required under § 13–604 of this title.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>In addition to meeting the other requirements of this section, a nonresident applicant shall submit a consent and any related document, as required by § 13–605 of this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-305" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <text>The Secretary may not issue a license to an applicant whose trade or fictitious name or trademark is so similar to that used by another licensee that the public may be confused or misled by the similarity.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-306" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall issue an agency license certificate to each licensed private detective agency and a branch office certificate for each proposed branch office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary shall include on each agency license certificate that the Secretary issues:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the full name of the licensee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the location of the principal office and of each branch office of the licensed private detective agency;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date of issuance of the license;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the date on which the license expires; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the name and address of the representative member, if the licensee is a firm.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall include on each branch office certificate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the full name of the licensee;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the location of the principal office of the licensee and of the agency branch office for which the certificate is issued;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date of issuance of the branch office certificate;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the date on which the license of the licensee expires; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>the name and agency address of the representative member, if the licensee is applying on behalf of a firm.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-307" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <text>While a license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conduct a business that provides private detective services for compensation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>maintain an office for the conduct of the business at each location stated in the agency license certificate;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>employ individuals as private detectives to provide private detective services to the public on behalf of the licensee; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>represent the licensee to the public as a private detective agency.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-308" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>By regulation, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the licenses.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless a license is renewed for a 3–year term as provided in this section, the license expires on the day that the Secretary sets.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At least 1 month before a license expires, the Secretary shall electronically transmit to the licensee a notice that states:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the date on which the current license expires;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>that the Secretary must receive the renewal application and the statements required under § 13–309 of this subtitle, at least 15 days before the license expiration date, for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the amount of the renewal fee;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>that, if the statements required under § 13–309 of this subtitle are not received at least 15 days before the license expiration date, a fee of $10 per day shall be charged against the licensee until the statements are received; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>that the submission of a false statement in the renewal application or in the annual statements is cause for revocation of the license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>A licensee periodically may renew the license for an additional 3–year term, if the licensee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>otherwise is entitled to be licensed;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a renewal fee of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>$200, if the licensee is an individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>$400, if the licensee is a firm; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any late fee required under § 13–309 of this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>submits to the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a renewal application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the statements required under § 13–309 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary shall renew the license of each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-309" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>As a condition for license renewal, a licensee shall submit to the Secretary with the renewal application:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a certification or, as authorized by the Secretary, other documentation that the licensed private detective agency has paid, for the past 3 years, all withholding and Social Security taxes;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a certification or, as authorized by the Secretary, other documentation that the licensed private detective agency has paid, for the past 3 years, all other obligations payable for the employees of the licensed private detective agency to the State or the federal government;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a certificate from an insurance carrier or, as authorized by the Secretary, other documentation showing that the licensed private detective agency has in effect workers’ compensation insurance for its covered employees, as defined in § 9-101 of the Labor and Employment Article; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a receipt from the Comptroller’s Office or, as authorized by the Secretary, other documentation showing that the State income tax of the licensed private detective agency has been paid for the past 3 years.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If the Secretary does not receive the documents required under subsection (a) of this section at least 15 days before the license expiration date, the Secretary shall charge the licensee a late fee of $10 per day until the documents are received.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may inspect any of the business records of a licensee that relate to any matter that is subject to certification or documentation under this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-310" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Each licensee shall maintain an office in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each licensee shall keep in an office in the State all files or other records that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>are made in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>relate to an investigation in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-311" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Within 5 days after the change, a licensee shall submit to the Secretary written notice of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the addition of a branch office; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any change in the address of an existing office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The licensee shall submit with the notice:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the agency license certificate; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>if the proposed change affects an existing branch office, the branch office certificate for that office.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary may:</text> <level label="i"> <text>endorse the change on the agency license certificate and, if applicable, on the branch office certificate of the affected branch office; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>issue a new agency license certificate and, if applicable, a new branch office certificate, both of which shall set forth the same date as the original agency license certificate.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 5 days after the occurrence, a firm shall submit to the Secretary written notice of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the withdrawal of any firm member; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the death of any firm member.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-312" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Each licensee shall display at all times:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the agency license certificate in a conspicuous place in the principal office of the private detective agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each branch office certificate in a conspicuous place in the agency branch office for which the certificate was issued.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If an agency license certificate or branch office certificate is lost or destroyed, the licensee immediately shall notify the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>On receipt of notice of the loss or destruction of an agency license certificate or branch office certificate, the Secretary may issue a duplicate.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-313" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 13-315 of this subtitle, the Secretary may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, fine any licensee or agency, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee:</text> <level label="1"> <text>fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>aids an individual to obtain or to attempt to obtain fraudulently or deceptively certification under this title as a private detective;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>while not licensed, solicits to engage in or willfully engages in a business providing private detective services in the State;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>while not licensed, willfully advertises:</text> <level label="i"> <text>as a private detective agency; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the provision of private detective services;</text> </level> </level> <level label="6"> <text>willfully makes a false statement or misrepresentation that an individual is or was in the employ of the applicant or licensee;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>willfully makes a false statement or misrepresentation in any renewal application, in any annual statement, or in any other report or document that the Secretary requires to be submitted;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>fails to notify the Secretary about any change among the firm members or in the address of the principal office or any branch office of a licensee;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>fails to maintain the liability insurance required under § 13-604 of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>violates any other provision of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>For purposes of this section, an act or omission of any principal, agent, or employee of an applicant or licensee may be construed to be the act or omission of the applicant or licensee, as well as of the principal, agent, or employee.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-314" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to this section, the Secretary shall commence proceedings under § 13-313 of this subtitle on the Secretary’s own complaint or on a complaint made to the Secretary by any person.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A complaint shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be signed by the complainant; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a complaint is made by any person other than the Secretary, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of a complaint that alleges facts that are grounds for action under § 13-313 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall appoint an officer of the Department of State Police, with the rank of lieutenant or above, as the investigating officer for the complaint.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The investigating officer may assign responsibility for conducting the investigation to other members of the Department of State Police.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On conclusion of the investigation, the investigating officer shall determine whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that there are grounds for disciplinary action under § 13-313 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the investigating officer finds a reasonable basis as provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall act on the complaint as provided under § 13-315 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-315" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Secretary takes any final action under § 13-313 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The hearing notice to be given to the person shall be written and sent at least 10 days before the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The person may be represented at the hearing by counsel.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Secretary may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-316" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Private Detective Agency Licenses"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 5 days after the Secretary suspends or revokes the license of a person, the person shall surrender to the Secretary the agency license certificate and each branch office certificate of the person.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may not refund to a person whose license is suspended or revoked any fee paid under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-401" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided under subsection (b) of this section or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be certified by the Secretary as a private detective before the individual personally may provide any private detective service in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual who is not certified as a private detective may provide private detective services in the State if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the individual is employed by or has applied for employment with a licensed private detective agency;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the licensed private detective agency has submitted to the Secretary the application of the individual for certification as a private detective, fingerprint cards, and fees required under § 13–403 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>after a preliminary background investigation, the Secretary determines that the provision of private detective services by the individual would not result in a potential threat to public safety; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the Secretary has not denied the application.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-402" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>An individual qualifies for certification as a private detective if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>holds a license;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is a firm member of a licensed private detective agency; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <level label="i"> <text>is an employee of or an applicant for employment with a licensed private detective agency; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>meets the qualifications set forth under § 13-403 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-403" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>To qualify for certification as a private detective, an employee of or applicant for employment with a licensed private detective agency shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>meet the standards set by the Secretary;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submit to the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a sworn application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fingerprints required under § 13–304(c)(2)(i) of this title; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>pay to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an application fee of $15; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fees required under § 13–304(c)(2) of this title.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-404" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>The Secretary shall certify as a private detective each individual who meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-404.1" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <level label="a"> <text>By regulation, the Secretary shall stagger the terms of the certifications under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless a certification is renewed for a 3–year term as provided in this section, the certification expires on the date the Secretary sets.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>At least 90 days before a certification expires, the applicant shall submit to the Secretary in the manner and format designated by the Secretary:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a renewal application;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the amount of the renewal fee in a method approved by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the amount of any late fee, as determined by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An individual periodically may renew the certification for an additional 3–year term, if the individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is otherwise entitled to be certified;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Secretary in a method approved by the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a renewal fee of $10;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the fee authorized under § 10–221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article for access to Maryland criminal history records;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the mandatory processing fee required by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history records check; and</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any late fee required under this subtitle; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>submits to the Secretary:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a renewal application in the manner and format designated by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>two complete sets of the applicant’s legible fingerprints taken in a format approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>In accordance with §§ 10–201 through 10–234 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository shall forward to the applicant and the Department of State Police a printed statement of the applicant’s criminal history records information.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a complete application for renewal of certification as required under this subtitle is not received by the Secretary at least 30 calendar days before the certification expires, the Secretary shall assess a late fee of $5 per day until the application is received by the Secretary, unless the applicant did not make timely renewal because of incapacity, hospitalization, being called to active military duty, or other hardship.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The total amount of late fees assessed under this subsection may not exceed $150.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Secretary may not certify any applicant under this title if the applicant has outstanding late fee obligations.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <level label="1"> <text>The Secretary shall renew the certification of each individual who meets the requirements of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Within 5 days after the Secretary refuses to renew the certification of an individual as a private detective, the Secretary shall send written notice of the refusal to the individual who submitted the renewal application.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-405" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>While certification of an individual as a private detective is in effect, the certification authorizes the individual to provide private detective services only:</text> <level label="1"> <text>on behalf of the private detective agency through which the individual obtained the certification; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>while that private detective agency is licensed under this title.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-406" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <level label="a"> <text>The Secretary shall issue to each individual who is certified as a private detective under this subtitle a certification card that identifies the individual as a certified private detective.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to this subsection, the Secretary shall determine the form and content of the certification card.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The certification card shall be of a size and made of materials appropriate for its intended use, as provided under § 13-407 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The certification card shall contain:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a statement that in substance specifies that the individual is certified by the Secretary as a private detective;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the name of the licensed private detective agency with or by which the individual is associated or employed; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>any information that the Secretary considers appropriate to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>identify the individual; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>specify the authority of the individual.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-407" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <level label="a"> <text>At any time that a certified private detective provides a private detective service, the private detective shall carry the certification card issued under § 13-406 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>On request of a law enforcement officer, a certified private detective shall show the private detective’s certification card.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-408" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>A certified private detective may wear or carry a badge only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the Secretary authorizes the wearing or carrying of the badge;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the design of the badge is approved by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the badge is issued by the licensed private detective agency through which the private detective is certified.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-409" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 13-411 of this subtitle, the Secretary may deny certification as a private detective to any applicant, reprimand or fine any individual certified as a private detective, or suspend or revoke the certification of an individual:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for any applicable ground under § 13-313 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>if the applicant or individual fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain certification as a private detective for the applicant or individual or for another; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>if the applicant or individual fails to maintain the standards set by the Secretary for certification as a private detective.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-410" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to this section, the Secretary shall commence proceedings under § 13-409 of this subtitle on the Secretary’s own complaint or on a complaint made to the Secretary by any person.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A complaint shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>be in writing;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>be signed by the complainant; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>state specifically the facts on which the complaint is based.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a complaint is made by any person other than the Secretary, the complaint shall be made under oath by the person who submits the complaint.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>On receipt of a complaint that alleges facts that are grounds for action under § 13-409 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall appoint an officer of the Department of State Police, with the rank of lieutenant or above, as the investigating officer for the complaint.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The investigating officer may assign responsibility for conducting the investigation to other members of the Department of State Police.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>On conclusion of the investigation, the investigating officer shall determine whether there is a reasonable basis to believe that there are grounds for disciplinary action under § 13-409 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the investigating officer finds a reasonable basis as provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall act on the complaint as provided under § 13-411 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-411" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Secretary takes any final action under § 13-409 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The hearing notice to be given to the individual shall be written and sent at least 10 days before the hearing.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The individual may be represented at the hearing by counsel.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Secretary may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-412" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Certification of Private Detectives"> <text>Within 5 days after the Secretary suspends or revokes the certification of an individual as a private detective, the individual shall surrender to the Secretary the certification card and badge, if any, of the individual.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-601" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>A private detective agency is responsible for the acts of each of its employees while the employee is conducting the business of the agency.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-602" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>The offices of each private detective agency shall be supervised by an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>holds, as an individual, the license of the private detective agency; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>is the representative member of the private detective agency appointed under § 13-302(b) of this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a private detective agency is a firm, the agency shall notify the Secretary about:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the identity of the individual serving as the representative member of the agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>each vacancy in that position.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a private detective agency shall appoint a representative member within 90 days after a vacancy occurs in the position.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the vacancy is caused by the death of or an incapacitating injury to the representative member, the private detective agency shall appoint a replacement within 180 days after the vacancy occurs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a licensed private detective agency fails to appoint a representative member as required under subsection (c) of this section, the license of the private detective agency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is suspended automatically; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall remain suspended until the agency complies with the requirements.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary may adopt regulations to carry out this section.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-604" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A private detective agency that employs 5 or more individuals as private detectives shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>maintain commercial general liability insurance, including errors and omissions and completed operations with a $1,000,000 total aggregate; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submit proof of the required insurance to the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>If an applicant for a license intends to employ 5 or more individuals as private detectives, the applicant shall submit proof of the liability insurance required under subsection (a) of this section to the Secretary with the license application.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary may not issue a license to an applicant to whom the insurance requirements of this section would apply unless the applicant submits proof of the insurance.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If the insurance required for a private detective agency under this section is canceled, forfeited, or otherwise terminated, both the private detective agency and the insurer shall notify the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If a private detective agency fails to maintain the liability insurance required under this section, the license of the private detective agency:</text> <level label="1"> <text>is suspended automatically;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>shall remain suspended until the agency complies with the requirements under subsection (a) of this section; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>may not be reinstated until the agency submits proof of the required insurance to the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-605" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A nonresident applicant for a license shall submit to the Secretary of State a consent, as provided under this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The consent required under this section shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>specify that service of process on the Secretary of State shall bind the applicant in any action, suit, or proceeding brought against the applicant;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>specify that an action, suit, or proceeding may be brought against the applicant in any county where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the cause of action arose; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the plaintiff resides; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>be signed by the representative member of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In addition to submitting a consent, a nonresident applicant shall submit to the Secretary of State a certified copy of a resolution adopted by the firm that confirms that the firm members, board of directors, or other managing board of the firm authorized the representative member to execute and submit the consent on behalf of the firm.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An applicant who is required under this section to submit a consent or a consent and authorization to the Secretary of State shall submit copies of the signed documents to the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Secretary may not issue a license to a nonresident applicant, unless the nonresident applicant complies with the requirements of subsections (a) through (d) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, service of process on the Secretary of State binds a person who has submitted a consent to the Secretary of State, as required under this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If service of process is made on the Secretary of State as authorized under this section, the person initiating the action, suit, or proceeding immediately shall send a copy, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the principal office in the State of the person against whom the action, suit, or proceeding is directed.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>As to any person who submits a consent as required under this section, any action, suit, or proceeding may be brought in any county where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the cause of action arose; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the plaintiff resides.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-606" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>A private detective agency may not divulge information obtained while providing services unless:</text> <level label="1"> <text>directed by the client for whom the services are provided;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>authorized by subsection (b) of this section; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>required by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If, while providing services, a private detective agency obtains any information about a criminal offense, the private detective agency may divulge the information to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a law enforcement officer;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the Attorney General or a representative of the Attorney General; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a State’s Attorney or a representative of a State’s Attorney.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, an individual who is employed by a private detective agency may not divulge to anyone other than to authorized staff of the agency any information that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>was acquired by the employee or other agency staff while providing services for the agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>relates to the assignment for which services are provided.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>An employee of a private detective agency may divulge information that is restricted under subsection (c) of this section:</text> <level label="1"> <text>as directed by the private detective agency; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>on a request made by the Secretary in the course of an investigation by the Secretary.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-607" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this section, “agency equipment” means a badge, clothing, or other equipment that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>belongs to a private detective agency; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>bears the name, trade name, or trademark of the private detective agency.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>If a private detective agency issues agency equipment for use by an individual who is associated with or employed by the agency, the individual shall return the agency equipment to the agency within 10 days after:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the termination of the individual’s association or employment with the agency; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the written request of an authorized representative of the agency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-608" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Miscellaneous Provisions"> <text>If a certified private detective loses a certification card, the private detective immediately shall give the Secretary notice of the loss and the circumstances regarding the loss.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-701" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A person may not engage in, attempt to engage in, offer to engage in, or solicit to engage in a business for the purpose of providing private detective services in the State unless licensed as a private detective agency by the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An individual may not provide, attempt to provide, offer to provide, or solicit to provide private detective services in the State unless certified as a private detective by the Secretary.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-702" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Unless authorized under this title to engage in business for the purpose of providing private detective services, a person may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including “licensed private detective agency”, “private detective agency”, “private detectives”, or “private investigators”, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the person is authorized to engage in the business of providing private detective services in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Unless an individual is certified as a private detective under this title, the individual may not represent to the public, by use of a title, including “certified private detective”, “licensed private detective”, “private detective”, or “private investigator”, by use of a badge or identification card, by description of services, methods, or procedures, or otherwise, that the individual is authorized to provide private detective services in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-703" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as authorized under this title, a private detective agency may not provide any person with a badge or a certification card or other document indicating that any individual is a private detective.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A certified private detective may not lend the private detective’s certification card or badge to another person or allow another person to use or display the card or badge.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Regardless of any association that an individual may have with a private detective agency, unless authorized under this title, the individual may not wear or carry a badge that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>represents that the individual is a private detective; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>otherwise represents that the individual is associated with a private detective agency.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-704" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A licensee may not display or allow to be displayed the agency license certificate at any location other than the principal office of the licensee, as specified in the certificate.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A licensee may not display or allow to be displayed a branch office certificate at any location other than the branch office specified in the certificate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A licensee may not knowingly alter, deface, or destroy or knowingly allow the alteration, defacement, or destruction of an agency license certificate or branch office certificate.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-705" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>A person may not willfully make a false statement on any application form, annual statement, or other document submitted to the Secretary under this title.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-706" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <text>An individual whom a licensee employs as a private detective may not willfully make a false statement or report to the licensee about any case conducted or services provided by the licensee.</text> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-707" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="7" subtitle_name="Prohibited Acts; Penalties"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates any provision of this title is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The fines assessed under §§ 13-313 and 13-409 of this title may not exceed $5,000 per violation, or a maximum aggregate of $10,000 for a 2-year license term, and shall be paid to the Secretary within 10 days after final adjudication of any hearing or upon the waiver of any hearing.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 13-313 and 13-409 of this title, the Secretary may fine either the licensed agency or the individual working on behalf of the licensed agency, but not both, for the same violation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbo" article_name="Business Occupations and Professions" number="13-801" title_number="13" title_name="Private Detectives" subtitle_number="8" subtitle_name="Short Title"> <text>This title may be cited as the “Maryland Private Detectives Act”.</text> </section>