AGENDA DATE: 11/2/2016
TITLE:
Title
Mutual Aid Agreement for Police Services in the Shenandoah National Park
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution approving a Mutual Aid Agreement between the County and the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Kamptner, Blair, Lantz, Mainzer, Carr
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this Executive Summary is to request the approval of an Agreement for mutual aid between the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Shenandoah National Park and the County. The Shenandoah National Park encompasses an area of approximately 311 square miles in eight Counties, including Albemarle County. It stretches for 105 miles from near the Town of Front Royal in the northeast to the City of Waynesboro in the southwest. National Park Service Park Rangers and Special Agents are sometimes called to investigate criminal violations that originate in the Park but lead to investigating suspects and evidence outside the Park boundary. Albemarle County Police Officers are sometimes called to investigate criminal violations that originate in the County but lead to investigating suspects and evidence in the Shenandoah National Park.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 7. Operational Capacity. Ensure County government’s ability to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: Virginia Code § 15.2 - 1728 authorizes mutual aid agreements between police departments and federal authorities. The attached Agreement (Attachment A) has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service, and must also be approved by the Board.
Staff believes that approval of the attached Agreement would result in more extensive and effective law enforcement, emergency services, search and rescue efforts, and a safer working environment for officers of both entities.
BUDGET IMPACT: Staff does not expect the approval of the attached Agreement to have any budget impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B) approving the Agreement and authorizing the County Executive to sign the Agreement on behalf of the County once the Agreement after approval as to substance and form by the County Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Agreement
B - Resolution