QUESTION
What improvements are observed with the policy mandating probation officers to carry firearms?
0:46:26
·
80 sec
Commissioner Juanita Holmes highlights the enforcement, rather than improvements, of the firearms carry policy for probation officers, emphasizing safety and proactivity.
- Holmes clarifies she did not implement the policy but observed its enforcement.
- The policy, dating back to 2003, mandates that probation officers undergo a 5-day firearm training and pass firearm qualification to be hired.
- Holmes observed probation officers not carrying firearms during mandated situations, leading her to reinforce the policy.
- The emphasis is on safety and being proactive, especially during home visits and adult services operations where arrests may occur.
Sandy Nurse
0:46:26
And we've heard reports that all the and in your testimony that DUP employees in the probation officers civil service title series are now required to carry firearms.
0:46:37
What are what improvements have you seen in the department specifically since implementing this policy.
Juanita Holmes
0:46:45
Right.
0:46:45
So I didn't implement the policy in 2003, the former commissioner Horne mandated firearms It is part of the notice of examination for the for the probation officer's position.
0:46:57
There is a 5 day training fire arm course that's part of their training in order to qualify, to get the job, you have to you have to pass the firearm qualification.
0:47:09
I didn't implement that.
0:47:10
What I saw was probation officers doing visits, home visits, and adult services operations, not having their firearms on them when it was mandated.
0:47:20
So I reinforced that, especially when arrests are being made sometimes off these visits, firearms.
0:47:28
So that it was really out of safety, being proactive, being on the offense, that this policy was put in place 20 something years before I took office.
0:47:39
So it I don't know how it was presented as though.
0:47:43
I made these firearms.
Sandy Nurse
0:47:45
I understand.
0:47:46
Mhmm.