HONESDALE --Wayne County District Attorney A.G. Howell announced the implementation of a Mutual Aid Agreement which grants county-wide jurisdiction and enforcement powers to municipal departments amidst concerns due to the COVID-19 virus.
On March 26, 2020, the municipal police departments of Wayne County each signed a Mutual Aid Agreement. The Agreement grants countywide jurisdiction for each department, should the COVID-19 virus affect the number of officers available for the individual department’s provision of police services. It further allows enforcement of all laws beyond the individual department’s municipality.
The Office of the District Attorney and the individual departments collectively agreed to enter into the written policy after discussions about potential issues in law enforcement coverage due to the COVID-19 virus. The Pennsylvania State Police retains statewide jurisdiction. The State Police will continue to assist any local departments as it has always done.
“On behalf of all our police departments, it is important for our community to know the police are prepared, ready, and available for protection and service, especially during anxious times like we are currently experiencing,” DA Howell said. “The Mutual Aid Agreement allows the full and thorough protection of law enforcement to all areas of Wayne County as the ongoing COVID-19 situation continues to evolve.
“We want to thank the Pennsylvania State Police for their continued assistance to our municipalities. It is always uplifting to see law enforcement come together in a strong showing of support, and it highlights the caliber of men and women who serve our communities every day,” Howell acknowledged.