Parole and probation officers, traditionally viewed as social workers seeking to rehabilitate or reintegrate offenders in the community, have not carried firearms during the course of their duties. This view is changing toward a more active law-enforcement role in which officers are allowed to carry firearms. Reasons for this change include more violent offenders, youthful offenders, changing law enforcement relations and officer safety concerns. In July of 1998, Texas Parole Officers became authorized to carry firearms as part of their job. This study looks at possible effects that implementation of firearms policy has on the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division Staff.

This study examines (1) changes in safety perceptions among staff and the field; and (2) changes in officers supervisory style. Both focus groups conducted throughout the state of Texas (7 focus groups) and state wide survey research (n=243) were used in the study.

Findings indicate that officers carrying firearms experience increased safety perceptions; officers who choose not to carry and support staff experienced no changes in safety perceptions. In addition, There were no changes in officer's perception of their supervisory styles once they are authorized to carry firearms on duty.