Kansas lawmakers are considering a bill giving law enforcement officers in the Kansas City area more legal protections when they cross the state line. A
The legislation would create an agreement between Kansas and Missouri law enforcement agencies. Proponents say if there were, for example, an emergency in Missouri, this would make it easier for Kansas officers to help.
Shawnee Police Chief Larry Larimore says in some emergencies, officers from the other state may be in the best position to help. But his concern is that when officers go across the border, their legal protections may not go with them.
“If a Kansas police officer uses force in Missouri, is he covered by law? That’s why we want clearly stated law,” says Larimore.
But Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning — speaking on behalf of the Kansas Sheriffs’ Association — say he believes officers already have the protections they need. He has concerns that the bill blurs the jurisdiction lines between agencies.
