Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Wood County sheriff’s department drafts bill for out-of-state law enforcement assistance – Legal Perspective
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – The Wood County Sheriff’s Department has drafted a bill that will allow out-of-state law enforcement to assist with emergencies and crime task forces.
Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard said the drafting of the bill was a group effort that emerged from discussions about mutual aid between law enforcement agencies.
“In a meeting, a local law enforcement meeting, a couple three months ago, Sheriff Warden with the leadership of agencies in the state of Ohio, myself with leadership of law enforcement agencies from Wood County, and along with Sheriff Mankins from Pleasants County. In that meeting we discussed mutual aid and cooperation amongst law enforcement officers,” Woodyard said.
“So that prompted us on our side of the river to ask for a bill to be drafted to allow us to address that.”
Bill focuses on emergency situations
Woodyard said the bill would positively impact the safety of citizens and law enforcement.
“We would simply ask that out of state officers from counties or states that have joined West Virginia be able to enter into a cooperation agreement that will allow us to deputize them in case of an emergent circumstance, drug investigations, human trafficking, or violent crimes,” he said.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Department received support and guidance from A West Virginia delegate to draft the bill.
“Delegate Heckert has really helped us in having the bill pull in drafting,” Woodyard said.
The bill provides legal safety for agencies who cross state lines to assist in the event of an active crime.
“And it’s important to understand this is a bill not designed to have out of state police officers come in here to do routine patrol and answer calls. This is a bill specifically designed for emergent circumstances or crimes that cross state lines,” Woodyard said.
The bill will be introduced during the legislature’s regular session beginning January 14.
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