Arming Probation Officers--Enhancing Public Confidence and Officer Safety

Society's shift to a conservative view of offender accountability means that probation has had to adjust the types and manner of services provided to the offender and the community. The types of offenders under supervision are more serious, and the philosophical views of newer officers are more likely to stress a crime control model, leading to greater focus on issues like officer safety. The authors argue that arming probation officers need not negate their treatment role.