ORISKANY, N.Y. -- "The way things have gone in our communities and in the world and in society today, this job we cannot do it alone," said Oneida County Sheriff Robert

Oneida County law enforcement members are stepping up their game. They announced two new initiatives on Thursday.

The first announcement was that the Utica Police Department Narcotics Unit has been deputized by Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

"Basically what that does, it allows our Narcotics Unit here at the Sheriff's Office to work side-by-side with members of the Utica Police Department Narcotics Unit and deal with drug issues in the entire county," Maciol said.

It's expected to affect Oneida County's courts.

"Anytime we can get rid of jurisdictional issues that defendants can claim to try to somehow or another get out from underneath the charges is really good for us," said Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara.

Another announcement was that the Sheriff's SWAT Team is now training and operating with the Utica and New Hartford SWAT Teams, forming a Regional SWAT Team with about 30 members.

The team will work throughout the county which should be a big help because some members aren't always available.

"You're gonna need relief for the guys as well," said Utica Police Chief Mark Williams. "You can be in a barricaded persons situation, they can last 24 hours. You've gotta give those guys relief, men and women relief, during a stand-off like that so they stay sharp."

This week, the Regional SWAT team executed a search warrant yielding two handguns, two long guns, and illegal narcotics.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit also works with the Madison County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, going after illegal drug sales.