Cass and Clay county agencies restart mutual aid process

Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff
Photo by: WDAY Radio Staff

(Fargo, ND) -- Multiple local agencies are now in full cooperation following an announcement on Friday.

Multiple agencies, including Fargo, West Fargo, and Moorhead Police Departments, Cass and Clay County Sheriff's offices, and county attorneys spoke at a press conference. The agencies detailed the level of cooperation they will begin to reestablish with each other, saying Minnesota's recent "Use of Force" law indirectly limited the ability for North Dakota officers and deputies to physically assist with scenarios in Minnesota. 

"Since the start of my career I do not remember a time where law enforcement in Cass and Clay county did not partner to work back and forth across the river until March 1st, 2021, when Minnesota made changes to their 'Use of Force' law," said Cass County Sheriff Jessie Jahner, "It was imperative that Cass and Clay County law enforcement worked together in both an enforcement effort and intelligence sharing effort."

Jahner says the collaborative efforts increase the capabilities of each participating agency. He says working together increases effective staffing numbers, reduces costs on the taxpayer, and is a great boon to crimes which travel across state lines.

Original Air Date: 
Friday, May 27, 2022