We all have to move this forward. This is not a Bill that represents Republicans or Democrats this is about the Citizen of Pennsylvania.
MEMORANDUM
TO: All Members of the House of Representatives
FROM: Representative Robert Belfanti
DATE: April 20, 2010
SUBJECT:
Legislation: Sheriff Modernization Act ______________________________________________________________________________
In the near future, I will introduce a package of legislation that will modernize the Office of Sheriff granting sheriff’s the ability to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth and establishing a sheriff’s and deputy sheriff’s training program under the Municipal Police Officer’s Education and Training Commission.
Many states, including 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 enforcement of laws on a larger jurisdictional basis. In Pennsylvania, there is an apparent need for additional law enforcement in municipalities that rely solely on the State Police for service. Reliance on the State Police in these municipalities has led to a call for additional state troopers, which could lead to soaring costs for all Pennsylvanians. 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 State Police as their primary law enforcement agency.
If you would like to co-sponsor this legislation, please contact Danielle Caley in my Harrisburg Office at (717) 787-5780 or via e-mail at dcaley@pahouse.net.