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Subcommittee tables bill to expand DOC law-enforcement authority for off-site emergencies
Summary
HB 2363, which would grant certain Department of Corrections law-enforcement officers authority to assist outside correctional facilities in emergent situations or by request, was tabled by the subcommittee in a 4-2 vote after discussion about scope and reciprocity.
The House Public Safety Subcommittee voted 4-2 to table HB 2363, a bill that would expand the operational authority of Department of Corrections (DOC) law-enforcement personnel to assist with emergent incidents or at the request of other law enforcement agencies outside DOC facilities.
Delegate Wilt, sponsor of the bill, said the measure would allow roughly 60 DOC law-enforcement officers (a distinct cadre from correctional officers) to assist in emergent situations outside facilities, such as traffic accidents or crimes in progress, when these officers are present and trained similarly to local police or sheriffs. Mark Aceland, Corrections operations administrator, said DOC law-enforcement officers are DCJS-certified and already perform criminal-investigation duties within the agency; the bill would provide reciprocity for emergent outside situations.
Supporters argued the change would improve public safety and allow DOC officers to respond when they encounter incidents while traveling on duty. Questions from committee members focused on the problem being solved, whether reciprocity already exists in practice, and what day-to-day duties these officers perform. A retired DOC special agent and town mayor testified in support, citing complex investigations and task-force participation by the unit.
After discussion, a motion to table the bill passed 4-2 and the bill will not advance from the subcommittee at this time.
