A Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation that would expand the powers of sheriffs and deputies. Representative David Zimmerman from Lancaster says in his proposing memo that the measure would end the legal ambiguity over the issue and help local governments deal with a shortage of municipal police officers. House Bill 2004 would change the definition of “police officer” in state law to include sheriffs and deputies. Typically, sheriff’s and deputies have principally been used to transport prisoners and to provide security at county courthouses.