There are two easy ways you can help your legislator know that you support Pennsylvania Sheriffs and HouseBill 466:

1. Send your legislator a letter (see below for sample text, or download the sample letter as a Word Document).

2. Sign our online petition.

Sample Letter:

[Date]

[Legislator Name]
[Address]

Dear Rep. [NAME]:

I am writing to ask you for support of House Bill 466. This bill would allow the state’s nearly 2,300 full trained sheriffs and deputy sheriffs to have their powers reinstated and perform law enforcement activities when needed in their communities.

The duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Sheriff have changed dramatically in the past 40 years. Many law enforcement agencies have sought support from County Sheriff’s Offices to assist them in providing protection, law enforcement and emergency services.

Unfortunately, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision in 2006 has caused confusion over what duties deputy sheriffs can perform based on the needs of their counties. For example, Attorney General Tom Corbett removed the deputy sheriffs from his drug task forces following the Supreme Court ruling.

The bill would authorize the 2,200 deputy sheriffs to act as “law enforcement” officers, based on the needs of their respective counties. This legislation would allow these highly trained deputy sheriffs to protect and serve their communities at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Please consider supporting House Bill 466 and utilize the 2,200 fully trained deputy sheriffs as a resource to help combat crime in our communities.

Best Regards,