494 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 265

and address of such child and of his parent or other cus-
todian, and shall clearly state the ground upon which the
hearing is sought. The case shall be docketed in the name
of the child as respondent.

(c) It shall be entirely within the discretion of the
State's Attorney of Garrett County whether a case is
docketed before a Trial Magistrate or before a Judge of
the Circuit Court.

240. Whenever any officer takes a child into custody
because of violation of any law or ordinance he shall, if he
deems it practicable, release said child in the custody of
and upon the written promise of the parent, guardian, or
other custodian of the child to bring the child to court at
a time fixed. If not so released, the child shall be placed in
the custody of some person designated by the Judge, or shall
be held in such place of detention as may be provided. No
child shall be confined in any police station, prison, jail,
or lock-up, unless in a room entirely separate from adults,
nor be transported in association with criminal, vicious or
dissolute persons. Within a reasonable time after arresting
a child as provided in this section, and before the child is
confined in any place of detention, the arresting officer
shall file a petition under oath as described herein. Nothing
in this sub-title shall be construed as forbidding any peace
officer, police officer, or other authorized person from
immediately taking into custody any child who is found
violating any law or ordinance, or who is reasonably
believed to be a fugitive from his parents or from justice,
or whose surroundings are such as to endanger his health,
morals, or safety unless immediate action is taken. In
every such case, the officer taking the child into custody
shall proceed as provided in this section.

241. Upon the filing of any petition as herein provided,
the Garrett County Welfare Board OR THE DIVISION
OF PAROLE AND PROBATION shall make such investi-
gation as may be directed by the Court JUDGE to supple-
ment information already available. Such report and rec-
ommendations, together with the petition and all other
papers in the case, shall be transmitted to the Judge.

242. (a) (Hearings. ) If a hearing is to be held, the
Judge may issue writs of summons for all parties whose
appearance is necessary, ordering them to appear before
him at a time and place named therein. Service of writs
and process issued by the Judge may be made by any police
officer or peace officer.