MUTUAL AID AGREEMENTS BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

(a) In this section, "department" means the Department of Public Safety. (b) The department and each governmental entity identified by a sheriff under Section 772.013(b) shall collectively enter into a mutual aid agreement that establishes the procedures for the provision of resources, personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies in responses to critical incidents in a vertically integrated fashion. (c) In establishing the procedures, the department and local law enforcement agencies shall: (1) give priority to establishing the interoperability of communications equipment among the parties to the agreement; (2) establish procedures for interagency coordination in activities arising from critical incidents, including evidence collection; (3) set jurisdictional boundaries; and (4) determine the capabilities, processes, and expectations among the parties to the agreement. (d) The department shall invite any appropriate federal agency to enter into the agreement described by Subsection (b).