COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new opinion from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost clarifies that Adult Parole Authority officers can work alongside local law enforcement on drug task forces — but they cannot make arrests or use force like certified police officers unless they meet specific training requirements.

The opinion, issued Nov. 4, responds to questions from Defiance County Prosecutor Morris J. Murray about whether a state parole officer could serve as a special deputy sheriff in the county’s Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force, also known as the M.A.N. Unit.

Yost said the Adult Parole Authority may enter into written agreements with regional drug units to share information, personnel and services for crime interdiction and fugitive apprehension. However, designating a parole officer as a “special

See Full Page