Pike sheriff and commissioners urge public to support bill

By TOM KANE

MILFORD, PA - It is not clear exactly what law enforcement powers county sheriffs and sheriff deputies have to investigate crimes and make arrests. The confusion comes as a result of a 2006 ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

While the court did not directly remove the powers from the sheriff, it questioned the extent of the powers in a case where the sheriff was conducting a wiretap in a drug bust. At the time, the court acknowledged the need for legislation that would resolve the issue of whether deputy sheriffs are investigative or law enforcement officers. And now, legislation in the state House of Representatives?HB 466?is being pursued to make the powers of the sheriff’s office clear.

The bill has the backing of the Pike County state representatives Mike Peifer and John Siptroth. Still in committee, the bill has not reached the floor of the house.

Pike County Sheriff Phil Bueki appeared before the Pike County Commissioners on March 12, using the occasion to urge the public to write to their state representatives and support HB 466.

“We are not trying to add any new authority but to restore what we had before the court ruling,” Bueki said.

“If a crime were committed right in front of us, we could make an arrest,” Bueki said. “But if I or a deputy only heard someone scream and I ran to see them bleeding and the victim accusing a person present of assaulting him or her, I could do nothing. It would mean an investigation had to be conducted and I, as sheriff, or one of my deputies could not investigate it. Only the state police can do that. This is ridiculous.”

The new bill is being opposed by the State Police Troopers Association and the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police.

Bueki was joined in his criticism by the three county commissioners.

“This is simply a case of a turf war,” said commissioner Harry Forbes. “There is a great effort here in Pike County and counties across the state to resolve this important question.”

“It’s totally illogical with the growth of the county we are experiencing not to have this question resolved,” said commissioners chair Rich Caridi. “Our residents want more police presence. Not to be able to fully utilize our sheriffs is illogical.”

Once the bill is out of committee and passed in the house, a senate version will be drafted, Forbes said.