Hagerstown Community College Police Force - Jurisdiction

SB 504 authorizes Hagerstown Community College (HCC) police officers to exercise standard police powers beyond campus property within Washington County under three specific conditions: during fresh pursuit of a suspect, to manage traffic to/from college property, or when ordered by the Governor. The bill directly affects HCC police officers and the college, expanding their jurisdiction while clarifying they cannot override the Washington County Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agencies. It also requires HCC’s Board of Trustees to adopt police standards similar to state police and create operational regulations for the force. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.