Md. Code Regs. 29.04.02.09

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 25, December 13, 2024

Section 29.04.02.09 - Identification

A. Special police officers are prohibited from having a simulation or imitation of uniform apparel described in Public Safety Article, § 3-502(d), Annotated Code of Maryland, that is worn by a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or constable.

B. Special Police Option Designation.

(1) References to individuals holding a special police commission may be identified on their uniforms, vehicles, signage, or literature by the words "Special Police" or by an option designator such as "Campus Police", "School Police", "College Police", "University Police", "Hospital Police", "Beach Police", "Airport Police", or a name related to the type of property or business for which protection is provided by special police officers.

(2) Name identifiers that shall not be used are those that imply an entity or entity employee is a member of a law enforcement agency as defined in Public Safety Article, § 3-201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. Uniforms and Related Items.

(1) Except as provided in Regulation .09B of this chapter, special police officers shall wear uniforms that are distinguishable from ordinary civilian clothing and shall give notice of their designation as special police officers. When on detective duty, special police officers shall carry identification properly identifying them as special police officers.

(2) All special police uniforms shall, on the outermost garment, clearly state the incorporated name of the entity and the words "Special Police" or an option designator name, and shall be of the same size, style, shape, design, and type which is clearly visible by a reasonable person under normal conditions.

(3) Uniforms shall not display a patch, emblem, sign marking, accessory, or insignia indicating the uniforms are the property of a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.

D. Badge and Patch Requirements.

(1) Badges and patches shall clearly state the incorporated name of the entity and the words "Special Police" or an option designator name and be visible by a reasonable person under normal conditions.

(2) Badges and patches shall not contain the words or seal of a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.

(3) Badges and patches shall not lead a reasonable person to believe that the badge is that of a member of a law enforcement agency as defined in Public Safety Article, § 3-201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

E. Special Police Vehicle Requirements.

(1) Special police officers who may have cause to operate an emergency vehicle as defined in Transportation Article, § 11-118, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall do so in compliance with the Transportation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, including but not limited to §§21-106 and 22-218.

(2) Vehicles shall state the words "Special Police" or an option designator name and be visible by a reasonable person under normal conditions.

(3) Vehicles shall not contain the words or seal of a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency.

(4) Vehicles shall not be marked so as to lead a reasonable person to believe that the vehicle is that of a law enforcement agency as defined in Public Safety Article, § 3-201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

F. Special Police Facility Requirements.

(1) Special police facilities shall only display the name of the incorporated agency or option designation name.

(2) Special police facilities shall not display any logos or identification which contains "Law Enforcement Agency" or which may cause a reasonable person believe the company is in any way associated with a federal, state, or local government.

Md. Code Regs. 29.04.02.09

Regulation .09 adopted effective 49:26 Md. R. 1081, eff. 12/26/2022