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Effingham County Board authorizes probation officers to carry firearms; members press for training and oversight
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Summary
The board approved a recommendation from the chief judge allowing certain county probation officers to carry firearms for home visits, with commissioners requiring annual training documentation and raising questions about liability and body‑worn cameras.
The Effingham County Board voted to authorize county probation officers to carry firearms for certain home visits after the chief judge recommended the change and the county provided assurances about training and insurance coverage.
Norbert Saltwiedel, who pulled the item for discussion, asked specific questions about responsibility for oversight and whether county insurance fully covers armed probation officers. Chair Josh Douthat and other commissioners said the authorization stems from the chief judge's administrative order and that probation officers will receive the same required training and qualifications as sheriff's deputies through MTU 15. Douthat said the probation director (Molly) will manage and oversee the armed officers and that training and qualification must be demonstrated annually.
Some commissioners expressed concern about liability and whether body‑worn cameras would be required. The chair said he could not immediately confirm whether body cameras are mandated and that Molly would need to clarify the policy details, including a firearms qualification plan and ongoing oversight. The board voted to approve the authorization and requested that documentation — such as training certificates and qualification records — be provided each year when the matter returns to the board in December for review.
Commissioners emphasized that the authorization would be implemented gradually, beginning with officers who perform at‑home visits, and that compliance with state training and qualification requirements is a condition of carrying.
