NCJ Number
192554
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 65 Issue: 3 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 24-28
Editor(s)
Ellen Wilson Fielding
Date Published
December 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article argues the issue of arming probation officers, specifically the ability of a probation officer to effectively perform traditional probation work while armed and the necessity to demonstrate and identify the need to carry weapons by officers.
Abstract
Probation and parole officers express concern for the potential of violent victimization while conducting field work. With this concern, arguments have ensued regarding probation officer safety and the call to arm officers. This article presents four major changes in corrections and how they have influenced the type and manner of services provided to the community. First, many crimes that at one time would have resulted in a prison sentence are now being granted probation, increasing the number of serious offenders on probation. Second, as higher risk offenders are placed on probation, the issue of officer and community safety considerations must be addressed. Third, in placing high-risk offenders on the same caseload with intense enforcement-oriented supervision, it creates an increased concern for officer safety leading to probation officers carrying firearms. Lastly, with increased emphasis on protecting the community through the control of the offender, probation officers are increasingly engaged in more police-type activities. It is argued that a potential positive outgrowth of arming probation officers is that they are thought of more like police officers, protecting public safety. In addition, public support for treatment may increase when probation is trusted to put community and officer safety first. Efforts must be made to integrate law enforcement strategies into the traditional treatment approach. References