Sheriffs Group Backs Chenoweth On Feds

U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth has won the support of the Idaho Sheriffs’ Association for a modified proposal to require federal agents to get a local sheriff’s permission before taking any enforcement action.

Chenoweth said the bill will be introduced in the coming months but she will gauge its reception before deciding whether to push for it this year.

The conservative Republican called it a reaction to federal handling of the cult disaster near Waco.

“I think the timing is good because I think the fears first expressed were exaggerated,” she said Monday.

Eleven months ago, U.S. Rep. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., derided her proposal as an “absolutely loony concept” in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, and some Idaho officials questioned the need.

But Idaho Sheriffs’ Association President Chip Roos, who is Bonner County sheriff, said the group decided to back Chenoweth’s latest proposal after she incorporated its suggestions.

“It is going to be in the best interest of all agencies to communicate like they should,” Roos said, arguing that there is poor communication between some federal agencies and some sheriffs.

Chenoweth’s proposal would require federal agents to provide the sheriff with any suspect’s name, the probable cause and the location and time an action will take place. They then could conduct actions requiring a warrant.

The sheriff could turn down the federal officers, as long as the denial is not illegal or taken for financial or other improper gain by the sheriff.

Permission would not be required in instances such as a federal officer witnessing a crime or when immediate action is needed.

Idaho Police Chiefs Association President Lynn Harris said his group is not getting involved.

“The consensus is a couple of situations where good common sense wasn’t used has created a perception that there is a big problem - and there isn’t a big problem,” he said.