<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 20-37. - Enforcement of state law.</div>
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            <p class="incr0">
               (a)
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               <span class="ital">Authority to hire special law enforcement officers.</span> In participation with Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, the Lake Norman
               Marine Commission is authorized to employ such special law enforcement officers as
               provided for in this article to patrol on Lake Norman and its shoreline and enforce
               all state statutes, ordinances and regulations. The officers exercising law enforcement
               authority pursuant to this section shall have all the power and authority vested in
               sheriffs, constables, police officers, law enforcement officers and peace officers.
               This authority shall include but not be limited to all the authority and duties found
               in G.S. 15A-401â€”15A-405.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (b)
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               <span class="ital">Law enforcement advisory board.</span> A law enforcement advisory board is created in accordance with the following:
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            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
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            <p class="content2">
               In participation with Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, a law enforcement
               advisory board of the Lake Norman Marine Commission is created to include a chief
               law enforcement officer from each of the four counties who shall be appointed by and
               serve at the pleasure of his respective board of county commissioners.
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               (2)
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               The duties of the law enforcement advisory board shall include the review of all applicants
               for the position of special officer with the Lake Norman Marine Commission.
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               (3)
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            <p class="content2">
               Each chief law enforcement officer appointed to the law enforcement advisory board
               is designated as an advocate for the purpose of investigating any complaints originating
               in his county. Complaints concerning the activities of any member of the Lake Norman
               Marine Patrol shall be filed with the chairperson of the Lake Norman Marine Commission.
               The chairperson shall then refer the investigation to the advocate in the county where
               the complained of incident occurred. The advocate or his designee will investigate
               the complaint and forward a summary of his investigation, along with any necessary
               supporting statements or documents, to the chairperson of the Lake Norman Marine Commission
               for appropriate review and action by the board, which may include appropriate disciplinary
               measures. The officer complained of shall be given the opportunity to appear before
               the Lake Norman Marine Commission, with or without an attorney, to present any statement
               or provide any information concerning the incident.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr0">
               (c)
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            <p class="content1">
               <span class="ital">Procedure for hiring special law enforcement officers.</span> In participation with Iredell, Lincoln, and Mecklenburg counties, the procedure for
               hiring a special officer within the meaning of this article shall be as follows:
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (1)
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               Applications shall be received by the law enforcement advisory board.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="incr1">
               (2)
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            <p class="content2">
               The applicants who meet certain physical requirements, including height, weight, and
               agility, and whose physical condition is certified by a qualified physician to be
               adequate for the job to be performed shall be required to undergo psychological and
               other tests as specified by the law enforcement advisory board.
               </p>
            		
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               (3)
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               The law enforcement advisory board shall conduct a background check of each applicant.
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               (4)
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            <p class="content2">
               The law enforcement advisory board shall report to the Lake Norman Marine Commission
               the results of the examinations and tests given to all applicants and shall recommend
               those applicants to the Lake Norman Marine Commission who have successfully completed
               the tests, examinations, and met other requirements as set by the commission.
               </p>
            		
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Code 1995, Â§ 291.01)
               </p></div>