Peace officers designated by the director may expend funds the director deems necessary to purchase evidence and to employ operators to obtain evidence in cases of arson to any property within a state responsibility area as established under Article 3 (commencing with Section 4125) of Chapter 1.
Funds expended pursuant to this section shall be repaid to the peace officer making the expenditure upon claims approved by the director and subject to post audit by the Department of Finance. Claims, when approved, shall be paid out of funds appropriated for the support or use of the department.