(a) As used in this Code section, the term “eligible peace officer” means any individual who is employed on a full-time or part-time basis by the state or any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof; who is required by the terms of such employment, whether by election or appointment, to maintain public order or to make arrests for all criminal offenses; who is required by the terms of such employment to comply with the requirements of the “Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Act” contained in Chapter 8 of this title; and who suffers permanent or temporary disability in the line of duty due to a direct interaction with a criminal suspect, arrestee, or inmate.

(b) Each law enforcement agency of this state shall notify every employee whom such agency has reasonable cause to believe may be an eligible peace officer of the existence of the Georgia State Indemnification Fund and the temporary disability compensation program of Parts 1 and 2, respectively, of Article 5 of Chapter 9 of Title 45. Such notification shall be given within ten days of such employee suffering an injury which may reasonably cause such employee to suffer a permanent or temporary disability. Additionally, such notification shall include such appropriate contact and other information as shall be determined necessary by the Department of Administrative Services through the promulgation of rules and regulations.