Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 3, 2016 04:53 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tim Mahoney |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Sheriffs' and Deputy Sherrifs' Powers |
| MEMORANDUM To: All Members of the House of Representatives From: Representative Tim Mahoney Date: October 3, 2016 Subject: Sheriffs’ and Deputy Sheriffs’ Powers In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to expand the powers of sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to be equal to those of municipal law enforcement officers in Pennsylvania. Under my bill, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs would be required to receive the same type of training as municipal police officers. Many states, including neighboring New Jersey, grant county sheriffs the authority to enforce state laws in addition to acting as county officers. The added layer of law enforcement allows many states to ensure public safety and the execution of laws on a larger jurisdictional basis. In Pennsylvania, I believe there is a need for additional law enforcement in municipalities that rely solely on the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for service. Reliance on the PSP in these municipalities has forced the PSP to begin training and hiring additional state troopers at a substantial cost. Providing county sheriffs and their deputies with the proper training and the ability to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth will fulfill the need for law enforcement in those municipalities. In addition, it will help contain the soaring costs associated with providing law enforcement to counties who rely on the PSP as their primary law enforcement agency. As you know, Pennsylvania law enforcement is in the midst of battling a drug epidemic all over the state. We, as state legislators, need to do everything we can to help protect our communities from crimes and drugs. I believe by allowing over 2,000 highly trained sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to have the same arrest powers as other police officers in the state, we can help make Pennsylvania safer. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
||
| View Attachment | ||