As Westmoreland County sheriff, I signed an agreement to assist another law enforcement agency if they needed help with crowd control. There is no obligation on my part to assist in immigration enforcement. Had law enforcement assisted in Minneapolis crowd control, two individuals may still be alive. I do agree that only county commissioners can sign contracts. Under the law there is a difference between a contract and an agreement.
Sheriffs across Pennsylvania have signed agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
We had a number of agreements with the Secret Service to assist with Presidents Biden and Trump in the past.
Our sheriff’s office has agreements to assist with local police, Pennsylvania State Police and the attorney general’s office. Our agreement with Secret Service is by email. Our agreement with Homeland Security is in writing. None are contracts.
It is unfortunate that a Westmoreland County commissioner seems to be confused about contracts and agreements. I question if Commissioner Ted Kopas is a supporter of law enforcement.
I wonder if common sense will prevail and put this issue to rest.
James Albert
Greensburg