Maryland § 3-502
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 3-502, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-502.
(a) In this section, “police officer” means a member of:
(1) a police force of this State or another state;
(2) a police force of a county or municipal corporation of this State or another state;
(3) the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division;
(4) the United States Park Police;
(5) the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro Transit Police;
(6) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
(7) the Drug Enforcement Administration; or
(8) a division of a federal agency the primary duties of which are the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of federal crimes.
(b) A person may not, with fraudulent design on person or property, falsely represent that the person is a police officer, special police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or constable.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, a person may not have, use, wear, or display a uniform, shield, button, ornament, badge, identification, or shoulder patch adopted by the Department of State Police to be worn by its members, insignia, or emblem of office, as is worn by a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or constable.
(d) A person may not, for the purpose of deception, have a simulation or imitation of an article described in subsection (c) of this section as is worn by a police officer, sheriff, deputy sheriff, or constable.
(e) A person may have, use, wear, or display an article described in subsection (c) of this section with the appropriate authority of:
(1) the Secretary of State Police;
(2) a police force of another state;
(3) the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City;
(4) the chief of police of a county or municipal corporation of this State or another state;
(5) a sheriff or deputy sheriff;
(6) a constable;
(7) the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division;
(8) the United States Park Police;
(9) the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro Transit Police;
(10) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
(11) the Drug Enforcement Administration; or
(12) a division of a federal agency the primary duties of which are the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of federal crimes.
(f) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $2,000 or both.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 3-502
What does Maryland Code § 3-502 cover?
Section 3-502 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 § 3-502?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 3-502" (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 § 3-502 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.