HARRISBURG (AP) -- Five deputy sheriffs who were denied a spot in a state police training program in wiretapping and electronic surveillance have sued, seeking a court order that would let them participate in the five-day session that starts Monday.

The suit was filed by the deputies; four sheriffs, including Mercer County Sheriff William H. Romine; and three district attorneys, including Mercer County District Attorney James P. Epstein. The suit argues that such training is needed for drug investigations and for homeland security.

"At stake in this case is the protection of the public," the suit said.

Tom King, general counsel for the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association, argued sheriffs should be admitted to the training session because it is likely they will have to use wiretaps in homeland security and drug investigations.

"We've had a number of conversations over the years with the state police," King said. "They seem to have a problem recognizing the law enforcement rights of Pennsylvania sheriffs. There's no reason we shouldn't be there."

State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller said in a statement that it was unclear whether deputies are legally permitted to use wiretaps and other forms of electronic surveillance, and that his agency could "place itself in jeopardy of civil action by providing wiretap training to sheriffs and deputies."