Editor&squo;s note: Polk County Sheriff Chris Abril issued the following response on June 6 to a letter sent by Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis.

I am in receipt of your letter dated June 3, 2008 in regards to officer safety. We can both agree that narcotics investigation can be a dangerous occupation and does require successful communication efforts between multiple agencies.

You and I discussed this same issue in Charlotte on April 1 of this year, and at that time I thought the problem had remedied itself. I had conversations with Mr. Alan Leonard regarding this same issue around March 14, and as I have said to both Mr. Leonard and you, should my officers be acting outside their duties within your jurisdiction, I have no problem for you to pursue those members as civilians, since the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office would not approve of such actions.

I spoke yesterday with my Narcotics Enforcement Team and they assure me that any activities they partake in they pass through Sergeant Patterson with your agency. However, as sheriff, I can assure you that I will investigate these alleged occurrences immediately. I would ask that you send me all information regarding these occurrences as soon as possible so that an investigation can begin without delay.

I hope we can clear this situation up as quickly as possible. We value our relationship with your agency and want no hard feelings towards each other. I also will advise my entire staff and officers that they are to keep your agency informed as much as possible should we work ventures near or within your county jurisdiction. Should you have any questions please feel free to give me a call.

Chris M. Abril, Sheriff

Polk County