Harford County (Map, News) - Detectives from the Harford County Sheriff’s Department and the Maryland State Police are joining forces.

After a successful meeting between Sheriff Jesse Bane and members of the state police, the criminal investigation units of both agencies will be working together under one roof. They will now convene at the sheriff’s Forest Hill location. By putting all the detectives in the same office, Bane hopes that he can speed investigations.

“This new agreement allows us to share information and prevents duplication in efforts,” Bane said.

After a meeting last week, two detectives immediately relocated from the state police barracks in Bel Air, to the sheriff’s Forest Hill location. The remaining three state detectives are expected to relocate in the coming months once new office equipment has arrived.

State Police Sgt. Mark Yingling said that besides increasing the convenience of sharing information on criminal investigation cases, the union has now given the Sheriff’s Department statewide jurisdiction.

“This is the most effective way to do our jobs. The only difference is we are wearing different badges,” he said.

The state police has created similar agreements around the state, including with nearby Cecil County.

Bane has said he plans to speak more in depth with the police departments in Bel Air, Havre De Grace and Aberdeen about joining the initiative.

Det. Sgt. Ed Smith of the Bel Air Police Department said he would need several questions answered before considering joining the initiative.

“I would have to see how it would be set up, and who is responsible for what,” Smith said. “I would need to know all the specifics.”

Aberdeen Police Chief Randy Rudy said he isn’t interested in the program at this point.

“It’s not effective for me,” Rudy said. “Having a guy out in a centralized location outside the jurisdiction isn’t productive. When I need feet on the ground, I need them in the city.”

vdickson@baltimoreexaminer.com