HUDSON COUNTY — A resolution that would have established a program of volunteer deputy sheriffs was delayed by the Hudson County Freeholder Board this week, saying freeholders needed more information about liability and who would be qualified.
Under the program, civilians would receive police training, would be allowed to carry weapons and would also be able to make arrests. While their primary use would be to fill in for parades and other similar non-enforcement activities, these deputies would have much the same authority as paid sheriff’s officers.
Freeholder Jose Munoz said he was concerned about arming civilians and wondered if the program could be open exclusively to retired police and other people with law enforcement experience. The matter is expected to be reviewed by the Freeholder’s Public Safety Committee before coming to a vote in April
County considers volunteer sheriffs
