SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5775

BYSenators Pullen, Smitherman and Bailey

Granting community correction officers the authority to carry firearms.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 28, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  February 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, FEBRUARY 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Concern for the safety of the Department of Corrections' probation and parole officers has prompted recommendations that the officers be allowed to carry firearms for their personal protection.

SUMMARY:

Probation and parole officers are designated as "community corrections officers."

Community corrections officers may, at their discretion, carry firearms during the course of their duties.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Community corrections officers may, at their discretion, carry firearms during the course of their duties, subject to successful completion of a firearm training program jointly approved by the Criminal Justice Training Commission and the Department of Corrections.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Mark Brown, Washington Federation of State Employees (pro); Linda Hooper, Washington Federation of State Employees (pro); John Wood; Roger Hansen, Department of Corrections (con); Chase Riveland, Department of Corrections (con)