BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–A recent article by The Post & Courier reported that Berkeley County’s three code enforcement officers are no longer carrying weapons on the job.
Prior to Bill Peagler taking office in January as the countyโs new supervisor, they carried .40 caliber Glock handguns since 2009.
โThe issue surrounding the duties and protocol of code enforcement officers is complex,โ Peagler told reporter Brenda Rindge. โI also determined that code enforcement officers not carrying a gun limits the potential liability of the county without sacrificing the quality of work they perform.โ
According to the countyโs resolution, code enforcement officers are โconsidered regular, salaried law enforcement officers of Berkeley County,โ and state law allows them to carry a pistol when acting in the scope of their duties.
โThe resolution does not require the code enforcement officers to carry guns,โ said county spokesman Michael Mule told the paper. โIt only authorizes the ability for certain code enforcement officers who meet the qualification and training criteria and where there is a need.โ
So far the move to disarm code enforcement officers has divided council. Some support the move. Others like, Councilman Jack Schurlknight, do not.
The issue is expected to be discussed at the countyโs April 13th council meeting.
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