Tompkins County Legislature OKs policy authorizing select probation officers to carry firearms

Tompkins County legislators voted 12–2 on Feb. 4 to adopt a departmental policy authorizing certain probation officers in the Department of Probation and Community Justice to carry firearms while supervising high‑risk cases.

The policy, moved by Legislator Rich John and seconded by Legislator Lee Shurtleff, follows community meetings requested last year and includes provisions for psychological evaluation, training, limits on open versus concealed carry, and procedures to suspend carrying privileges if concerns arise. The Legislature also added a charge for the Public Safety Committee to work with the department on a parallel policy for body‑worn cameras during field work.

Supporters said the policy responds to safety risks probation officers encounter while supervising people involved with gun‑related cases and programs funded under the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) grant. Department head Dan Cornell said the policy was developed “very intentional[ly]” with community input and described it as “very unique” in New York State.

Legislators pressing implementation questions were told by Cornell that if the policy is approved by the state Office of Community Corrections and appropriate vetting and training proceed, the earliest officers would be armed is likely late summer to early fall — “probably six months away,” he said. The department plans psychological evaluations for officers, training, and equipment purchases funded from existing travel and training budgets; no separate 2025 budget appropriation was requested.

Several legislators and community members raised concerns about privacy and oversight. Legislator Shawna Black, who voted against the policy, said she could not support arming probation officers despite commending department staff for outreach. Legislator Travis Brooks and others pressed for body‑worn cameras; Sheriff’s Office representatives noted deputies use body cameras and a separate body‑camera policy and noted camera use can protect both officers and community members. The Legislature’s amendment directs the Public Safety Committee to work with the department to consider a body‑worn camera policy for field work when armed officers are present.

The adopted policy narrows its scope to officers working on GIVE cases and other specified high‑risk circumstances; supervisors must review and document case‑by‑case authorizations. Cornell said the department prefers concealed carry in routine supervision to avoid signaling a government presence that could embarrass or endanger people under supervision. The policy also includes notification requirements to advise probationers that officers may be armed.

The motion passed with these recorded votes: yes — Randy Brown, Susan Curry, Deborah Dawson, Rich John, Anne Corman, Mike Lane, Greg Mezey, Veronica Pillar, Lee Shurtleff, Mike Sigler, Travis Brooks, Dan Klein; no — Amanda Champion, Shawna Black.

Implementation steps listed by the department include state review, psychological screening for officers, mandated training, and procurement of equipment. The Legislature instructed the Public Safety Committee to develop a body‑camera policy for field work in parallel with implementation work.

Proponents and critics said the community review sessions improved the draft policy; supporters highlighted officer safety in GIVE cases, opponents emphasized risks to civil liberties and the need for robust accountability measures.

The policy will not take effect until required approvals and trainings are complete and any required state reviews are finished; department staff estimated an operational timeline of roughly six months if approvals proceed without major revisions.