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Sheriff raises liability concerns on school officer agreements; board approves mutual-aid and major-crime task force resolutions
Summary
Sheriff Reich told commissioners he will not deputize outside officers without resolving training and liability issues and will meet Maple Valley Schools’ superintendent; the board approved a major crimes task force and a mutual-aid agreement but took no action on the Maple Valley SRO contract.
Eaton County Sheriff Reich briefed commissioners Nov. 19 on proposed mutual-aid and school resource officer (SRO) arrangements and on a newly proposed major crimes task force.
The sheriff described the major crimes task force as a voluntary mutual-aid arrangement: when a major incident occurs and county personnel are available, the sheriff may assign staff (chief deputy, under sheriff, captain or himself) to assist another jurisdiction. "If I don't have those folks available, then I don't send anybody," the sheriff said, emphasizing the voluntary, availability-driven nature of the assistance.
Commissioners moved and approved the major crimes task force agreement and a mutual-aid resolution by voice vote. Separate discussion about an agreement with Maple Valley Schools prompted questions from commissioners about liability, training and oversight. The sheriff said he has concerns about deputizing officers from other agencies without providing training or supervision and that he will meet next week with Maple Valley's superintendent to discuss options. "I have concerns with this agreement," he said, and added he will seek alternatives with Windsor and Oneida townships to assemble a package that could meet school needs while addressing training and supervision obligations.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether a lack of a motion meant no changes would be made; the chair confirmed that without a motion, the item would remain pending. Commissioners and members of the public also raised the broader consequence of county road-patrol cuts on rural areas and school safety, citing concerns about SRO removal from some districts.
No formal change was made to the Maple Valley agreement at the meeting; instead the sheriff committed to follow-up meetings and staff will return to the board if contract language or supervision arrangements change.
