Carson, Forrester praise solution increasing law enforcement protections in NH North Country

Concord, NH – The Senate will take up legislation tomorrow that would provide legal protections to border patrol agents when assisting state troopers and local law enforcement in New Hampshire.

Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry) and Senator Jeanie Forrester (R-Meredith) issued statements in advance of the Senate’s vote.

“With the hard work and dedication of my colleague, Senator Jeanie Forrester, we found a workable solution allowing border patrol agents to provide much needed assistance to local law enforcement in the North Country,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry). “The amendment we will take up tomorrow on the Senate floor came together because Senator Forrester and I recognized that when a citizen needs help from law enforcement, they don’t care which agency answers the call, they simply need help, but should be protected under our state law.”

“Having had first-hand experience in a North Country ride along with law enforcement, I understand the need for this critical assistance in the northernmost part of the state. We took concerted steps to make sure this bill would make law enforcement professionals available, regardless of agency, to address emergencies across the expansive New Hampshire North Country while significantly cutting response times which regularly take more than an hour,” said Senator Jeanie Forrester (R-Meredith)

“This bill gives border patrol officers the same legal protections as New Hampshire officers, equipping them to assist state troopers and local law enforcement when making arrests and carrying out other enforcement duties. This bill represents the right way to address this issue and through focused consideration of our options, we will provide long-needed support to law enforcement in the North Country,” added Forrester. “I thank Senator Carson for her hard work and leadership on this important issue.”