Bill > SB723

This bill clarifies and expands the ability of law-enforcement agencies in West Virginia to cooperate with agencies in bordering states, as well as federal agencies. It defines "law-enforcement agency" broadly to include various state and local entities like the State Police, sheriffs' offices, and municipal police departments, and specifies that "criminal justice enforcement personnel" are those employed within the criminal justice system whose primary duties involve investigating crimes and apprehending criminals. The bill allows the heads of these agencies to temporarily provide assistance and cooperation to agencies in this or an adjoining state, or to federal agencies, when requested in writing or in emergency situations involving imminent risk of death or serious injury. This assistance can include participating in multijurisdictional task forces to improve coordination, intelligence gathering, and investigations, and allows personnel to work temporarily with other agencies, even undercover. While on assignment, these personnel retain the powers and immunities of their home agency but are subject to the operational commands of the agency they are assisting, while remaining under their home agency for personnel and administrative matters. Any agreements for such cooperation must be filed with the local circuit clerk and can be sealed, and agencies retain the right to withdraw from agreements. The bill explicitly states it does not authorize permanent consolidation of agencies or affect civil service protections.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=723&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill