SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 33

(By Senators Unger and Stollings)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the safety, roles and responsibilities of the West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves.

    Whereas, West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves members do not serve as law-enforcement officers, nor do they carry firearms; and

    Whereas, West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves members’ duties are limited; and

    Whereas, Many counties use West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves as a force multiplier and National Guard-style contingency force for special details and disasters; and

    Whereas, Properly trained West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves members could serve as limited law-enforcement officers similar to special deputies or process servers; and

    Whereas, The current code limits West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves members’ duties and powers and removing some of those limitations would enhance their value and effectiveness; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the safety, roles and responsibilities of the West Virginia Deputy Sheriff Reserves; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance seek input from the Governor's Committee on Crime, Delinquency and Correction, the West Virginia Sheriffs' Association, the West Virginia Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, the West Virginia Chiefs of Police and the West Virginia Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and

Finance.