§ 2–208.5
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 2-208.5 (2026)
Title 2. Law Enforcement Procedures; Arrest Process
Subtitle 2. Warrantless Arrests
§ 2–208.5LinkCopy Citation
(a)
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 Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission established under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Public Safety Article; and
(4)
at all times maintains active certification by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission.
(b)
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)
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.