The categories in the equipment section describe examples of safety equipment worn by staff in the community supervision process. Federal, state, and local legislation and agency policy widely differ regarding the arming of community supervision staff and what other types of safety equipment may be worn by staff supervising persons in the community.
For information on current case law in this topic area see: AELE (Americans for Effective Law Enforcement)
Firearms
Agency policy states the type of weapons staff may carry and mandates the training requirements.
Firearms Standards for Probation Officers in Arizona
Date: December 2014
This policy outlines firearms standards for armed probation officers in Arizona to include permission and qualification to carry, training, and specific approved firearms, ammunition, and holsters.Why Bullet Size Matters in Officer-involved Shootings
Date: August 2017
This 2017 Police1 article describes the effects of different calibers of weapons for armed officers.
Body-worn Cameras
Staff wearing video cameras can record actions occurring ahead or directly in front of the wearer. Commonly used in law enforcement, body-worn cameras are used less frequently in community corrections, although used in some jurisdictions as a learning and coaching opportunity with staff.
Body-worn Cameras
Many law enforcement agencies in America have instituted body-worn cameras. This contributed to the recent rise in interest and use of community supervision agencies. However, while several community-based supervision agencies have implemented body-worn cameras, we are still learning about the benefits and challenges of this new technology. This microsite section intends to share information from the field about body-worn cameras, including how this technology has enhanced community supervision and lessons learned.
South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services Body-worn Cameras Policy
Date: November 2016
This document sets out the standards for agents' use of body-worn cameras and procedures for their use.A Primer on Body-worn Cameras for Law Enforcement
Date: September 2012
This publication from the National Institute of Justice is an extensive overview of law enforcement's use of body-worn cameras. This document can also be used by community corrections agencies contemplating the use of body-worn cameras for community supervision.Urban.org Body Camera Update 2018
Date: October 2018
This 2018 interactive site from the Urban Institute provides current laws applicable to body-worn cameras and laws specific to body-worn cameras explaining the body-worn cameras' usage and details of whether the footage can be released. Note that laws may have changed from 2018, so check the state you are referencing for potential changes in statutes and regulations for the most up-to-date information.Implementing a Body-worn Camera Program: Recommendations and Lessons Learned
Date: 2014
This publication from the Community Oriented Policing Solutions (COPS) outlines the benefits of body-worn cameras, what should be considered when implementing a body-worn camera program, and recommendations for body-worn cameras.
Defensive and Safety Equipment
Tasers (conducted energy devices) and pepper spray (such as capsicum spray) are other types of safety equipment that may be utilized in community corrections. For those agencies that employ various types of defensive equipment, specifics of use will be spelled out in agency policy.
Pepper Spray: Research Insights on Effects and Effectiveness Have Curbed its Appeal
Date: May 1, 2019
This article from the National Institute of Justice outlines the science and findings for more restricted use of conducted energy devices.Conducted Energy Devices: Policies on Use Evolve to Reflect Research and Field Deployment Experience
Date: November 2019
This National Institute of Justice (NIJ) article is a follow-up and sidebar in the NIJ Journal to guide policies and the use of energy devices in law enforcement.Batons and Collapsible Batons
February 2023
This site lists the states where this resource is legal and includes some general information about the use of these devices.Body Armor
November 2018
This National Institute of Justice (NIJ) article is a review of body armor as a critical piece of safety equipment for officers’ personal protection. Although there is no such thing as bulletproof armor, ballistic-resistant body armor can protect against many types of handguns and rifle ammunition.
