Watch Episode 19 in HD

In Depth and Extended Interviews and Stories

Season 2 Episodes

Season 1 Episodes

Segment 1: Question of Authority S2 EP19 part 1

The county sheriff is the ultimate authority in law enforcement power within the borders of the county. Police power was specifically granted to the states in the 10th amendment of the constitution and that power was handed down by the state to the elected office of sheriff. There are instances where land management agencies have usurped power and allowed their law enforcement to enforce laws within the state. Sheriffs and citizens are wondering where Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National Park Service and other resource management agencies derive the authority to enforce state laws.

Segment 2: Question of Authority S2 EP19 part 2

Sheriffs from Grand, San Juan and Kane County sit down to discuss some of the issues they are having with federal rangers stepping outside their jurisdiction. Lamont Smith from Kane County describes how he deputized a Bureau of Land Management Ranger so that individual had some authority to enforce laws but that ranger was required to adhere by the policies of the Kane County Sheriff's Office. Now instead of working with the local sheriffs, rangers are working from Codified Federal Regulations that are similar to state law but aren't passed by any legislative body. Federal Rangers who work for forest service or bureau of land management have not had training in law enforcement. Their job is to protect resources not to provide law enforcement.

Segment 3: Question of Authority S2 EP19 part 3

The group discusses problems they have had in attempting to challenge decisions made by rangers and being told that they do not have jurisdiction to investigate. The group argues that as county sheriffs they are allowed to conduct investigations on federal land managers when they close roads or try to enforce state laws.

Segment 4: Question of Authority S2 EP19 part 4

The group summarizes the problems they are having with federal land managers and their attempts to enforce laws. They discuss the importance of the Sheriffs working together on a combined front to bring the issue up and challenge it in court so that the issue can be resolved.

 

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