THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411240683
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B15 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Gov. George Allen on Wednesday strongly endorsed his prison chief's plan to arm correctional officers in some state prisons.
``Obviously, it's to keep order and discipline,'' said Allen, who said he discussed the policy with Ronald Angelone, the former Nevada prison chief, when Allen hired him earlier this year.
``I knew he had that policy'' in Nevada, Allen said. ``I support his decision.''
The policy will protect guards, especially those who now work unarmed among some of Virginia's most dangerous prisoners, Allen said. He said the officers would load their weapons with birdshot.
Allen is aware that such a policy could pose problems, he said, but he is confident that officers will be properly trained and will operate under strict guidelines.
Angelone recently disclosed that officers at one prison, which he declined to identify, will be issued firearms. Also, key officers will be armed in three new maximum-security prisons to be built over the next decade.
Now, in Virginia and in most state prisons throughout the country, armed guards work only in towers and along the perimeters.
Allen expressed his confidence in Angelone's policy after taking part in the annual payment of tribute in lieu of taxes by two Virginia Indian tribes. by CNB