NCJ Number
170389
Journal
Corrections Management Quarterly Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1997) Pages: 44-54
Date Published
1997
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines issues associated with arming probation and parole officers (PPOs) and suggests policy options.
Abstract
Probation and parole officers' fear of violent victimization in the field has resulted in increased attention to officer safety, which, in turn, has led to calls for arming these officers. Many agency administrators have responded to the pressure for providing weapons to staff without examining the impact on agency mission and philosophy, as well as traditional worker roles. This article suggests options that will ensure the integrity of community-based correctional service delivery systems while attending appropriately to officer safety concerns: (1) forbid all field (home) visits; (2) depend on local law enforcement agencies to conduct street and surveillance work; (3) transfer police officers to the probation or parole agency to serve as a special squad on detached duty to deal with violators; (4) give parole officers the option to carry firearms when they work in the field; (5) always provide PPOs in the field with a backup PPO or backup police, or inform local law enforcement of the PPO's itinerary in case emergency help is needed; and (6) create a special PPO unit appropriately trained in self-defense and use of firearms. References