Mutual aid agreement provides emergency assistance for Maricopans

Police Chief Patrick Melvin, along with all members of the Maricopa Police Department, are excited to be part of Pinal County’s newly created, emergency mutual aid agreement as a member of the Pinal County Law Enforcement Association (PCLEA).

Last week the Pinal County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a mutual aid agreement entered into by Pinal County Attorney James P. Walsh, Pinal County Sheriff Chris Vasquez, the Pinal County Adult Probation Department and Pinal County Homeland Security/Emergency Management. This agreement commits the staff and resources of these agencies to assist other agencies that are members of the PCLEA.

The Pinal County Law Enforcement Association Mutual Aid Agreement was designed to set the tone for better cooperation among the various emergency service providers in the county.

Pinal County Attorney James Walsh said the agreement has been needed due to changes with newly incorporated areas and new service providers within the borders of the county. This agreement looks to encourage increased cooperation and designate lines of authority in the case of an emergency. Walsh added that the agreement will be taken before each participating agency’s governing board for approval.

According to MPD Public Information Officer Hal Koozer, “As law enforcement officers we are always willing to help each other. By creating this agreement, it allows us the opportunity to help each other in emergency-type situations. The preservation of human life and property is our number one priority; this is a win for everyone.”

The PCLEA is made up of municipal, state and county law enforcement agencies that keep the peace and protect the citizens within their jurisdictions. The agreement is a commitment by all of the member agencies to come to the aid of any agency that is faced with a disaster or emergency situation and needs extra assistance, either manpower or equipment, beyond that which can be provided by their own staff and resources.

MPD actually hosted the monthly meeting for the PCLEA on Tuesday. The organization provides networking and information for police chiefs in Pinal County. Information is shared with the Police Chief’s Organizations in both the East and West Valley as well as with the Arizona Police Chief’s Organization where Chief Melvin is an elected board member.

Photo by Joyce Hollis