What is the jurisdiction of a municipal police officer, city limits or county-wide?

I have read some cases that state that municipal police officers have jurisdiction only within their city limits, while other cases have stated that their jurisdiction is county-wide. Under the county-wide cases, the Courts have held that a municipal police officer has the same authority as a marshall of a Class A Municipality, which is similar to a sheriff, which has county-wide jurisdiction.

I have municipal officers that are initiating drug investigations in the county with no participation from the Sheriff or DPS. Additionally, no inter-agency jurisdictional agreements exists between the city and county.

It seems under 14.03(g), that a municipal officers outside of jurisdiction has authority to make warrantless arrests for offenses committed within view or presence, or traffic violations. What about surveillance, etc...

Any help would be appreciated.

Justin
cunnijt@co.ector.tx.us

See the handy TDCAA book Warrantless Search and Seizure 2005 Edition page 37 and 38 ...