# Business Occupations and Professions (GBO)

## Title 13. Private Detectives

### Subtitle 2. Secretary

#### Section 13-201

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.

#### Section 13-202

(a) In addition to any powers set forth elsewhere, the Secretary may:

  (1) adopt regulations to carry out this title;

  (2) use any member of the Department of State Police, as necessary, to carry out and enforce this title; and

  (3) make inquiries and conduct an investigation regarding any applicant:

    (i) for a license; or

    (ii) for employment with a licensee as a private detective.

(b) In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Secretary shall:

  (1) adopt regulations that set standards for the certification of employees of private detective agencies as private detectives;

  (2) keep a roster of the individuals certified as private detectives under this title, including on the roster:

    (i) the names of individuals certified;

    (ii) the name of the licensed private detective agency with or by which each individual is associated or employed; and

    (iii) any other information that the Secretary considers appropriate; and

  (3) adopt by regulation a schedule of fines for violations of this title that may be assessed by the Secretary under Sec.Sec. 13-313 and 13-409 of this title.

#### Section 13-203

The Secretary and all members of the Department of State Police:

(1) shall treat as confidential any information obtained through an investigation of an applicant for a license or for certification under this title; and

(2) 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.

#### Section 13-204

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.

#### Section 13-205

The Secretary shall pay all money collected under this title into the General Fund of the State.

#### Section 13-206

Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Secretary in a contested case, as defined in Sec. 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in Sec.Sec. 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Occ. & Prof. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)