Corrections Community

Our agency is reviewing the pros and cons of having a sidearm assigned to the Officers in the perimeter patrol vehicles when there is ashotgun already assigned; we are seeking input from agencies on both sides of this issue.

MN does not use sidearms

The use in VT is dependent on the security level of the facility.

My question would be what type of area is your facility located in, city, residential, rural? This could make a huge difference. Do your perimeter officer exit the vehicle to check or assist visitors? The perception when an officer gets out of a vehicle with a shotgun is alot different then when the shotgun is kept in the vehicle unless its need is evident. The handgun is still available for the officers safety when the use of a shotgun or display of the shotgun is not warranted. In most cases our agencies policy allows for both in our perimeter vehicles.