§ 27-2. Board of Estimates may make awards.

(a) When authorized.

The Board of Estimates is hereby authorized and empowered in its discretion to make an award for the death of or injury to any private citizen which has been directly caused:

(1) while such person is assisting or coming to the aid of a member of the Police Department of Baltimore City while making an arrest or otherwise engaged in enforcing the laws, ordinances, or regulations of the State of Maryland or the City of Baltimore; or

(2) while such private citizen:

(i) is attempting to prevent the commission of a crime; or

(ii) is in fresh pursuit of one who has committed a crime.

(b) Determinations.

In deciding on the making of an award in the circumstances above outlined, the Board of Estimates shall have the sole discretion to determine:

(1) the amount of the award;

(2) to whom it shall be payable in the event that the said citizen suffer death as a result of his intervention; and

(3) in the event that such private citizen is not acting in aid of a police officer:

(i) whether the crime sought to be prevented was actually occurring and was of such nature as to warrant the intervention of a private citizen; or

(ii) whether a crime had occurred and was of such a nature as to warrant pursuit by a private citizen.

The award herein authorized may be paid from the Contingent Fund of the Board.

(d) "Private citizen" defined.

The term "private citizen" as used herein shall not include a paid guard or other security officer while engaged in the protection of property or persons he is employed to guard.