Adams County staff to draft resolution allowing Community Corrections officers to carry firearms

Adams County commissioners heard an update that county staff will draft a resolution authorizing Community Corrections officers to carry firearms on county property and outlining training requirements.

The change follows a statutory shift that removed Community Corrections officers from the sheriff—s special-deputy category. "We just need to have a resolution naming those community corrections officers and allowing them to carry firearms," said Staff member Clayton, who delivered the briefing and said he will meet with the sheriff and Community Corrections leadership to draft specific training provisions.

The nut graf: the county—s action is a response to state statutory changes that, according to staff, mean Community Corrections officers no longer receive firearm privileges through special-deputy designation. Commissioners were told a county resolution is the locally appropriate mechanism to restore specified firearm authority while adding training requirements to reduce county liability.

Staff said there are about six Community Corrections officers affected. Clayton told commissioners the resolution will seek to define required training and recordkeeping: "Requiring that training by resolution for us will limit liability on the county," he said. He also noted outstanding operational questions the draft will address, including whether weapons are department-issued or personally owned and what models or calibers would be permitted.

Commissioners discussed school grounds rules and whether Community Corrections officers would be allowed to carry on school property. Clayton said carrying on school property may require separate school board approvals in each district: school boards control firearms policy on their grounds and county action alone may not suffice.

Staff and commissioners also considered nonlethal options and tactical training. Clayton said some nonlethal tools might require police-level training to authorize, and that Community Corrections officers— duties are different from sheriff—s deputies, so the county will calibrate training to the officers— roles.

No formal vote was taken. Clayton said he will coordinate with Ian Gilbert of Community Corrections and the sheriff to return with a draft resolution that will specify training standards, any school-board approvals needed, and other operational details.

Next steps: staff will produce and present a draft resolution for commissioners' review and possible action at a future meeting.