Special Police Officers - County Government - Protection of Employees and Public Officials

SB 729 allows counties in Maryland to appoint special police officers specifically to protect county employees and public officials while they are present in the county. It amends existing law to authorize counties to apply for these officers (previously limited to property protection) and clarifies that such officers may exercise standard police powers - including arrests and traffic control - only when necessary for protecting assigned county personnel. The bill requires these officers to complete 80 hours of training covering criminal law, constitutional procedures, and use-of-force. This policy change directly affects county employees and officials by providing a formalized security mechanism for their safety during county-related activities.