Should community supervision officers carry firearms?: A survey of intensive supervision officers

This study examines the attitudes of probation officers monitoring intensive supervision probation caseloads in Texas regarding arming probation officers. The results from this survey indicate that intensive supervision officers are a somewhat diverse group and hold a variety of opinions regarding their use of firearms. While the survey respondents indicate support for requiring ISP officers to carry a firearm, they clearly do not belive all community supervision officers should be required to carry a firearm. Policy implications of arming probation officers are discussed in light of the increasing felonization of probation caseloads.