966 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 797

48F. The Judge may appoint a suitable person to act as
probation officer, who shall receive such salary or compensation
as may be fixed by the County Commissioners and such actual
traveling expenses as may be approved by the County Commis-
sioners. The County Commissioners of two or more counties
of either one or more judicial circuits may extend the work of
any such probation officer to two or more counties of either
one or more judicial circuits, whenever by reason of the volume
of work to be handled or from another cause such arrangement
is deemed best. Nothing in this sub-title shall be construed
'adversely to affect the status, either as to compensation or as to
tenure of employment, of any probation officer employed by
any Circuit Court immediately prior to June 1, 1945.

48G. The probation officer shall make such preliminary in-
vestigation of any child subject to the jurisdiction of the
Court as may be directed by the Judge. Upon the conclusion
of such investigation the probation officer in his discretion may,
and at the direction of the Judge shall, transmit to the Judge
all papers relating to the case, together with his findings and
recommendations in writing. The probation officer shall give
such assistance as the Judge may require of him during the
progress of the case, including investigations of the subsequent
conduct of any child once subject to the jurisdiction of the
Court. The Judge in his discretion may make use of the find-
ings and recommendations of any other person or agency,
either private or public, in the disposition of any such child.

48H. Whenever a child is brought before the Court the
Judge shall, unless in his opinion it is impracticable or inad-
visable, release the child pending trial to the custody of the
parent, guardian or custodian of such child. If not so released,
such child shall be taken immediately to a place of detention
designated by the Judge. No such child shall be confined in
any police station, prison, jail or lock-up, unless in a room or
ward entirely separate from adults, or be transported or de-
tained in association with criminal, vicious or dissolute per-
sons. Nothing in this sub-title shall be construed as forbidding
any peace officer from immediately taking into custody any
child who is found violating any law or ordinance. In every
case the officer taking the child into custody shall immediately
report the fact to the Court and the case shall then be pro-
ceeded with as provided in this sub-title.

48-1. Unless and until provision shall be made for a tempo-
rary detention home for children coming under the jurisdiction
of the Court, the Judge may arrange for the care and custody
of such children temporarily by the County Welfare Board,
or other institution, agency or person.