VIDALIA — Sheriffs Kenneth Hedrick and Chuck Mayfield know that criminals don’t see the Mississippi River as a barrier between the two states, so neither should their respective offices.

Hedrick and Mayfield swore in teams of narcotics agents from the opposite sides of the river Wednesday in an effort to break down barriers in fighting crime.

Hedrick swore in seven Natchez-Adams Metro Narcotics Unit officers, including K-9 Agent Scout, and Mayfield swore in two Concordia Parish Narcotics Task Force agents and two sheriff’s department supervisors.

The cross-deputization agreement allows the law enforcement officers to cross state borders in working criminal cases.

Hedrick said it also helps both departments work together to help cut down on drug activity in the Miss-Lou, Hedrick said.

“We can get a lot more accomplished in taking these drugs off the streets when we’re working together,” Hedrick said. “We’re glad to have Sheriff Mayfield and his agents on board with us helping to protect the people of these communities.”

Mayfield said the two departments already work closely with many criminal and drug-related cases, but the swearing in was beneficial in fighting crime.

“The suspects don’t see that river as a barrier, and we can’t either when it comes to investigating criminal and drug activity in our area,” Mayfield said. “These suspects may start their case in Natchez, but then drive across the bridge to make another transaction in Vidalia or Ferriday.

“In those situations, it’s important to know that we can, or the other officers, can continue their investigations on the other side of the river.”

Natchez-Adams officers sworn in by Hedrick were David Lindsey, Tom Borum, George Pirkey, Ben Long, Joseph West and canine officer Scout.

Concordia Parish agents sworn in by Mayfield were Chris Groh and Greg Jackson. Sgt. Johnny Evans and Chief Deputy David Hedrick were also sworn in as Adams County deputies.

Hedrick and Mayfield also swore in each other.

The agents will soon have identification badges for both the parish and county.