320.230. Investigations conducted--cooperation with local officials required--may act as peace officers, when, qualifications.

Investigations conducted--cooperation with local officialsrequired--may act as peace officers, when, qualifications.

320.230. 1. The state fire marshal shall conduct investigations andmay conduct hearings into the cause, origin, or circumstances of firelosses and shall cooperate with the appropriate fire or police officials ofthis state or its political subdivisions in investigations of the cause,origin or circumstances of fires, explosions or related occurrencesinvolving the possibility of arson or related offenses.

2. The state fire marshal and the marshal's paid investigators whohave attained proper certification as peace officers pursuant to chapter590, RSMo, as approved by the director of the department of public safetyshall be deemed to be peace officers and shall notify the local lawenforcement agency of the existence of the investigators and shall have thepower of arrest for all offenses incident to the investigation of thecause, origin or circumstances of fires, explosions or like occurrencesinvolving the possibility of arson, or related offenses, and in connectionwith any offenses when aiding and assisting the sheriff of any county orthe chief of police of any municipality, or their designatedrepresentatives, at their request.

(L. 1972 S.B. 487 § 7, A.L. 1977 S.B. 272, A.L. 1999 H.B. 792)