Commissioners approve major-crimes and mutual-aid agreements; sheriff resists deputizing external SROs for Maple Valley

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners approved a countywide major-crimes task force agreement and a mutual-aid resolution to permit assistance between jurisdictions, but a separate item tied to Maple Valley Schools prompted a longer debate and no approval.

Commissioner Holmes and staff described the major-crimes task force as a voluntary mutual-aid arrangement where sheriff’s office personnel and other participating agencies could assist another department’s investigation when available; the task force motion was moved and approved by voice vote.

The sheriff explained that mutual aid is voluntary and that he will send personnel only when he has staff available. On the Maple Valley schools item, the sheriff said he was not willing to sign the current agreement because of concerns about deputizing officers from other agencies without required training and about liability. He said he will meet with Maple Valley’s superintendent to discuss alternatives and explore arrangements with neighboring townships (Windsor, Oneida) or private security/grants as possible options.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the sheriff’s refusal to sign the agreement would limit emergency response; the sheriff and others clarified that emergency response is not limited — nearby officers will still respond — but the deputization/contract arrangement for an assigned SRO is the point of contention. Several commissioners said they hope for a negotiated solution that preserves school safety while addressing training, supervision and funding concerns.