HB 1616 Summary

• Authorizes parole officers employed by the Department of Public Safety to use electric guns, subject to the same restrictions and custody requirements as other law enforcement officers.

• Explicitly includes parole officers within the definition of "law enforcement officer" for purposes of training and certification by the Law Enforcement Standards Board.

• Grants parole officers the authority to arrest parolees without a warrant when there is probable cause that the parolee is violating the terms and conditions of parole.

• Confers upon parole officers the full powers of police officers within the scope of their official duties.