2 more County Probation Offices becoming armed

[snappertrapper]

I read several weeks ago that Luzerne County has decided to arm it's Probation staff and now Mifflin County is doing the same. That leaves only a few counties that haven't put defensive weapons in the hands of their probation officers. Good move by these two counties.

[jim-analog]

Greetings,

Curious, why do you feel it's a good thing to have MORE .gov agents being armed by the state?

Regards, Jim

[Democrat Gun Owner]

Greetings,

Curious, why do you feel it's a good thing to have MORE .gov agents being armed by the state?

Regards, Jim

I have to agree with the OP on this one. Arming probation officers is probably not a bad idea. They do pretty much work with the dregs of society. It's not like questioning why the Social Security administration needs to be armed to talk to grandma about her monthly check.

[jthrelf]

Greetings,

Curious, why do you feel it's a good thing to have MORE .gov agents being armed by the state?

Regards, Jim

I see your point, but in this case I'd have to say its a little different. This isn't the Feds arming every single agency that doesn't have a law enforcement function. These are local county guys/gals who probably have good need to be armed. I mean doesn't every PA resident have a right to self defense regardless of employment?

Flame suit on perhaps?

[John222]

I read several weeks ago that Luzerne County has decided to arm it's Probation staff and now Mifflin County is doing the same. That leaves only a few counties that haven't put defensive weapons in the hands of their probation officers. Good move by these two counties.

Geez... I would never take that job unarmed !

[knight0334]

I see your point, but in this case I'd have to say its a little different. This isn't the Feds arming every single agency that doesn't have a law enforcement function. These are local county guys/gals who probably have good need to be armed. I mean doesn't every PA resident have a right to self defense regardless of employment?

Flame suit on perhaps?

Yes, but if your job description requires carrying/using a gun - you need to be certified in PA.

[Steelblitz]

Greetings,

Curious, why do you feel it's a good thing to have MORE .gov agents being armed by the state?

Regards, Jim

Because one of the main components of a PO's job is to ensure public safety over the offender they are supervising in the community. Sometimes that job entails arresting the offender for serious violations like committing new crimes. PO's also supervise prison inmates out on work release. Those offenders get an escape charge for not reporting back to the institution. This happens weekly from various institutions in my area. It's generally a good idea to be armed when trying to apprehend an escaped prison inmate.

[duqjeep2010]

When I was an intern at Washington County Courts one of the PO's did a home inspection and found a sawed off under the couch and an illegally converted AK by the bed. Guy was a felon not to possess. This was before they were armed. So I fully support PO's being armed.

[snakeman21]

As a probation officer, you are dealing with people who are often unpredictable, may still be addicted to drugs, and there's a good chance they have a few mental disorders. I absolutely agree that probation officers should carry a weapon.

[jim-analog]

Greetings,

OK, fair enough. I didn't know if these were "office" workers or "field" workers. Thanks for clearing up what that job entails. Guess it does make sense.

Regards, Jim