HARTFORD (AP) — The long arm of the law could get a bit longer under a bill moving through the state Capitol.

The proposal, before the legislature's Judiciary Committee, would allow on-duty police officers to make misdemeanor arrests outside their jurisdiction. Under the current law, officers can make felony arrests outside their towns and cities.

"It just makes sense," said Cromwell Police Chief Anthony J. Salvatore, who is also the co-chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association.

Extending that power would make it easier to work with other police departments, especially when an incident occurs near town lines, Chief Salvatore said. He said police officers would be able to make arrests quicker, rather than wait for an officer from another town to arrive.

But not everyone is behind the proposal.

"Don't you have enough work to do in your town?" said Meriden Sgt Patrick Gaynor.

Sgt Gaynor, president of his local police union, said police departments are already overworked, and arresting people in other towns would mean more paperwork, particularly for smaller departments.

The Connecticut State Police also oppose the bill.

Spokesman Lt J. Paul Vance said it could create a lack of communication when there is an emergency. Also, he said, there are liability issues and there could be confusion regarding the chain of command.

"The potential is there for emergencies to arise," Lt Vance said.

The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on the bill Friday.