Doctor's will be armed
 

Physicians Would Have Police Powers

POSTED: 8:54 AM EST February 5, 2004
UPDATED: 8:58 AM EST February 5, 2004


The Maryland General Assembly is considering a bill that would let physicians carry guns and make arrests as members of county homeland security teams.

Frederick County Sheriff James Hagy proposed the bill, which is sponsored by two Frederick County senators. Hagy said the Maryland Police Training Commission and sheriffs throughout the state support the measure.

Hagy said the bill would ensure that someone schooled in biological, chemical and radiological weapons is among the first responders to a terrorist attack.

However opponents say the proposal would blur the line between law enforcement and medical professionals. "What will be next? Will our police officers be writing prescriptions for medications?" said Frederick Mayor Jennifer Dougherty.

The measure, Senate Bill 232, would authorize each county sheriff to appoint a physician as the county's medical adviser. The doctors could then take police training, conduct investigations and make arrests in cases involving biological weapons or other "catastrophic health emergencies."

Doctors serving in the post for more than one year would have to be certified by the police training commission.

Hagy said he didn't know of any other state with similar legislation. He said critics who focus on the bill's police powers are missing the point of the legislation.

http://www.nbc4.com/politics/2820208/detail.html