Commissioners arm themselves

When the Board of Elmore County Commissioners authorized the sheriff's office to apply for a grant that would allow them to standardize weapons for the county's law enforcement officers last summer, they suggested a few extra guns be purchased for the personal security of certain elected officials, including themselves and the county prosecutor.

Previously each county law enforcement officer was responsible for purchasing his/her own sidearm and there was a wide variety of makes and models throughout the department.

The grant was approved. The lot of weapons was ordered and arrived late last month. Included in the list of people being issued the new .40-cal. Glock automatic handguns was each of the commissioners.

The commissioners' guns were not the standard law enforcement issue, having a smaller clip.

"We do not want people thinking that we are sitting here armed and waiting," said Larry Rose as he explained the commissioners only thought was for their personal security as they travel on county business.

He said the sidearms are county-owned for issue when performing county duties. "When anyone leaves the office, the guns will be returned to the sheriff's office.

"We are not buying personal firearms for employees" He emphasized that no county taxpayer dollars had been used for the purchase.

Idaho Code exempts all elected public officials from having to have a concealed weapon permit. "But, that doesn't mean that we are all going around armed to the teeth," Rose said. Each of the commissioners has been scheduled for training through the sheriff's office for safety and the proper use of the weapon.

While the events of Sept. 11 emphasized the need for increased security, Rose said, the purchase and issue of weapons were not a result. He pointed out the guns were ordered long before the terrorist attacks.

The commissioners noted that they have the responsibility as elected officials for the security of the county. They have been directed that all law enforcement, state and county buildings must remain on heightened alert. They are investigating a number of measures that may be taken to increase the security of the county courthouse campus.