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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KCBS) -- Santa Clara County Supervisors have voted to arm probation officers for the first time.
A number of officers, including Laurie Ramirez made their case at the Board of Supervisors hearing.
"I would never go into a parolees' home without being armed because a simple home contact can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation," Ramirez said. "My weapon provides for my safety, but it doesn't change how I do my job. I can still assist with the rehabilitation, while at the same time, protect myself from the unpredictable dangers of the job."
KCBS’ Mike Colgan Reports
Supervisor George Shirakawa made it clear that only 23 probation officers will be allowed to carry guns.
"I want to be clear that my support of arming this group of probation officers will not begin a slippery slope of arming more PO's, nor does it put up a barrier to future discussions on that area," Shirakawa said.
While the measure passed unanimously, a number of supervisors expressed reservations about arming the officers.
