The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS - A multi-jurisdictional mutual aid agreement between law enforcement agencies in the Highlands was signed Thursday.
Law enforcement officers from throughout the Highlands gathered for a brief signing ceremony at the Country Cafe in Bath County.
The agreement includes sheriffs’ offices in Alleghany, Bath and Highland counties, the Covington and Clifton Forge police departments and Iron Gate Police Chief Brad Hodge.
The agreement is designed to address the general rule of a law enforcement officer having authority that is limited to a geographic boundary. Under the agreement signed Thursday, law enforcement officers can have the same authority when crossing jurisdictional lines in response to a request for mutual aid.
“It’s a great step that we’re able to help each other take the boundaries away,” said Bath County Sheriff Larry Norfleet.
The agreement, written by Alleghany County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ed Stein, also addresses liability issues. It does not compel a law enforcement agency to respond when it receives a mutual aid request from another jurisdiction.
Stein and local enforcement agencies began working on the agreement last year.
Attending Thursday’s signing ceremony were Stein, Norfleet, Hodge, Alleghany County Sheriff Kevin Hall, Covington Police Chief J.B. Broughman and Capt. W.A. Wagner of the Highland County Sheriff’s Office.
