Senator Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale, today introduced SB 1067, which provides California peace officers the ability to request aid from law enforcement agencies in bordering states should they deem it necessary, according to a news release.

 “It doesn't make sense that requests for aid must be approved through the state government, when officers may be just minutes away,” LaMalfa said in a prepared statement. “Every minute wasted with a middleman while conducting law enforcement duties can place our local personnel at risk.

“This bill puts the ability to call for assistance in the hands of local officials who are in the best position to make these decisions.”

SB 1067 allows California agencies to directly request interstate aid while responding to criminal activities, traffic accidents, public safety concerns and other emergencies, the release states. The bill is coauthored by Assemblyman Jim Nielsen and supported by the California Police Chiefs Association.

 “Increased cooperation between agencies that deal with many of the same issues will lead to public safety improvements not just in California, but neighboring states as well,” added LaMalfa.