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Police oppose more power for Pa. sheriffs

PITTSBURGH - Sheriffs in rural Pennsylvania counties are seeking expanded law enforcement powers, but opponents say they fear conflicts with other agencies.

PITTSBURGH - Sheriffs in rural Pennsylvania counties are seeking expanded law enforcement powers, but opponents say they fear conflicts with other agencies.

A state House committee shelved a bill last month that would have granted municipal police duties to sheriffs and deputies. It would have allowed them to conduct investigations and make arrests in addition to their traditional duties of providing court security, transporting prisoners, and serving court papers.

About 2,300 deputies would be allowed to perform law enforcement activities "as needed" in their communities, the Pennsylvania Sheriffs' Association said.

But opponents say the changes would have touched off jurisdictional conflicts with local and state police.

Those against the idea include the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the state Fraternal Order of Police, Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, and Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

Bruce Edwards, president of the troopers association, said that there were more than enough warrants for deputies to serve and that state police were responsible for patrolling communities with no local police.