(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 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 Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission established under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the Public Safety Article. (b) This section applies only to Worcester County. (c) 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; other 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) 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.
Maryland Legal Code