Yost: Parole officers can help drug task forces, but lack full arrest powers

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 deputy sheriff” does not grant new authority if that officer isn’t certified as a peace officer through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.

“A parole officer may assist with detecting, tracking, apprehending or detaining a suspect,” the opinion states. “But the officer has limited authority to make arrests and remains subject to different standards for searches and use of force.”

According to Yost, parole officers may arrest or search individuals they supervise without a warrant under existing law, but cannot execute general arrest warrants or conduct searches on others without proper authority.

He also noted that if a parole officer engages in duties outside their normal authority, such as participating in a drug raid or making a warrant arrest, they could face personal liability if an injury or rights violation occurs.

The attorney general advised that any agreement between state parole officers and local law enforcement — such as Defiance County’s partnership with the M.A.N. Unit — should clearly define roles, command structure and legal responsibilities to avoid confusion about supervision and civil liability.

• Local impact: The opinion directly affects Defiance County and the regional Multi-Area Narcotics (M.A.N.) Unit, which handles drug investigations across several northwest Ohio counties.
• Clear rules for cooperation: It clarifies what state parole officers can legally do when assisting county task forces — helping avoid confusion during joint operations or arrests.
• Public accountability: Setting limits on arrest powers and use of force reduces the risk of civil liability or taxpayer-funded lawsuits if officers act outside their authority.
• Statewide precedent: Yost’s opinion offers new guidance for other Ohio drug task forces partnering with the Adult Parole Authority, shaping how these joint efforts are structured in the future.