Maryland § 3-303
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 3-303, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-303.
(a) The following entities may apply for the appointment of special police officers for the following purposes:
(1) a municipal corporation, county, or other governmental body of the State, in order to protect property owned, leased, or regularly used by the governmental body or any of its units;
(2) another state, or subdivision or unit of another state, that has an interest in property located wholly or partly in this State, in order to protect the property;
(3) a college, university, or public school system in the State, in order to protect its property or students;
(4) a person that exists and functions for a legal business purpose, in order to protect its business property; or
(5) a person that holds a valid license as a security guard agency under Title 19, Subtitle 3 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article, in order to protect property owned or leased by its clients.
(b) The applicant for a commission shall be at least 18 years old.
(c) (1) This subsection does not apply to an applicant for an initial commission who, within 5 years prior to application, has:
(i) completed a basic training course for police officers approved by the Secretary in consultation with the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission;
(ii) completed a basic training course for police officers similar to the course described in item (i) of this paragraph in another state or for the federal government;
(iii) separated from a law enforcement agency in good standing; or
(iv) completed training approved by the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission for a special police officer at a State institution of higher education.
(2) An applicant for an initial commission shall complete a training course approved by the Secretary in consultation with the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission consisting of at least 80 hours of instruction, including instruction on:
(i) criminal law;
(ii) constitutional procedural requirements relating to search, seizure, and arrest; and
(iii) the appropriate use of force.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 3-303
What does Maryland Code § 3-303 cover?
Section 3-303 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 3-303?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 3-303" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 3-303 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.