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Pennsylvania bill would expand sheriff duties

If a Pennsylvania state lawmaker gets his way, the duties of county sheriffs throughout the state would be expanded.

Sheriffs and deputies in the Keystone State now have limited duties. The duties include providing security for courthouses, serving papers in civil matters and issuing permits for firearms. Only in Allegheny County are the duties of sheriffs and deputies the same as municipal police officers.

Rep. Robert Belfanti Jr., D-Montour, is the sponsor of a bill that would remove limitations on sheriffs’ offices in other areas of the state. HB2585 would restore investigative, arrest and other law enforcement powers to “properly trained” sheriffs and their deputies.

“With limited local and state funding, we need all the law enforcement officers at our disposal in the fight against crime and the protection of public safety,” Belfanti said in a statement.

“Sheriffs once had these law enforcement powers. We need to return them if we want to ensure that all residents have adequate police coverage and access to timely law enforcement response.”

Montour County District Attorney Robert Buehner Jr. recently testified that the additional power given to sheriffs would boost enforcement efforts that cover under-served areas. It would also end confusion over the powers and duties of sheriffs.

County sheriffs could also enter into agreements with municipalities that rely on State Police “patrol services” for their enforcement needs.

Education and training requirements for sheriffs and deputies would be updated to help ensure they are qualified and prepared to carry out the expanded duties.

HB2585 is in the House Labor Relations Committee. Time is short for it to make its way through the statehouse and to the governor’s desk. The regular session wraps up in November.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Pennsylvania, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected] .

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