An act relating to allowing probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Collamore

Probation and parole officers in Vermont may carry firearms on duty after completing a state-certified training program focused on defensive use, use of force, reporting, and accou

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

Summary of S.254 (2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose

To authorize probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty, contingent on successful completion of a firearms and related training course administered by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council.

Key provisions and changes

Amends 28 V.S.A. § 551a to expand law enforcement powers and training for correctional officers, specifically:

Probation and parole officers (as part of the Field Supervision Unit) may request authorization to train and become certified by the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council.
The training covers:
Use of firearms for defensive purposes
Appropriate use of force
Reporting and record-keeping related to firearms
Personal liability for actions and conduct related to firearms
The Commissioner and the Executive Director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council are responsible for developing the curriculum necessary to meet the subsection requirements.
Officers who successfully complete the training may carry a firearm while on duty and use it in a defensive capacity.

Who is affected

Probation and parole officers assigned to the Field Supervision Unit in Vermont.

The act may involve coordination between:

The Commissioner (of corrections)
The Executive Director of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council
The Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council (as the certifying body)

Effective date and timeline

The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Additional context

Introduced by Senator Brian Collamore; referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee (with the first reading on January 14, 2026).

The bill focuses on expanding on-duty firearms carrying after completing specified training, aligning with defensive-use standards and accountability measures (training, reporting, and liability).

Potential impact (high-level)

Operational: Probation and parole officers in Vermont could carry firearms on duty, potentially altering patrol and supervision dynamics and incident response.

Training and accountability: Establishes a formal curriculum and certification process through the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council, emphasizing defensive use and liability.

Policy considerations: May raise questions about safety protocols, oversight, and resources needed to implement and monitor the program.