An Ohio Sheriff is urging his civilian staff with concealed carry permits to carry their personal sidearms- on and off the clock.
According to the Journal-News, Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones released a memo to full-time, part-time and volunteer staff, Jones urged those with a valid CCW License to carry their weapon within the department’s headquarters and while using county vehicles.
The memo was written last Friday following the recent attacks on police and is geared toward the civilian administrative personnel. All personnel who wish to carry must do so in a concealed manner and therefore are urged to dress appropriately.
All personnel entering the correctional facility must secure their weapon in the lock box prior to entering the facility and must adhere to all CCW guidelines when off-premises.
32-year law enforcement veteran Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer said officers are trained to pay attention to their surroundings, but have become complacent after years on the job.
“It does fade,” he said of the training.“You have to pay attention now more so than ever.”
Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw agreed, saying an officer can choose to ride two to a vehicle during certain shifts if their supervisors demand it.
“You always have to be observant,” he said. “Look and see what’s around that car. You just never know. You have no way of knowing who you are stopping.”
Muterspaw said that with people taping interactions and posting them on the internet, many people react without knowing the entire situation.
“Social media has changed everything,” Muterspaw said. “They see five seconds and they’re ready to charge and convict. Everybody is a lawyer because they have a cell phone.”
Despite this, he says there are times when police officers need exercise more tact.
“We have to do a better job and if every cop doesn’t believe that, they shouldn’t be in the business,” Muterspaw said. “We don’t always do right. When a bad cop does something wrong, that is negative for every good cop. Good cops shouldn’t mind being under the microscope.”
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