BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- Probation officers in St. Lawrence County are on pace to be armed for personal protection by the fall, according to county officials. 

Probation Director Tim Lepage offered an update to county legislators recently, saying much of the duty gear required to arm and outfit the officers had been ordered, with training on the horizon. 

"We're closer, we're getting there," Lepage said. 

He said he recently met with county officials to review the final draft policy for arming probation officers, which will then be reviewed by county officials for final approval. 

"Once changes are reviewed it will be shared with the union and staff to see if they are OK with the changes," Legpage said. 

While that portion of the policy is nearly complete, Lepage said the policy regarding body cameras is a little further off in the distance. 

Lepage said the body camera policy is "in its infancy," as he had just finished the first draft a few days prior to the June 9 Operation Committee meeting. 

He said he has utilized the Sheriff's Office policy, as well as Niagara County's policy specifically written for their probation department. 

Lepage said there were not many pre existing policies to borrow from. 

"We're writing a lot from scratch," he said. 

As for training officers, Lepage said officers will be undergoing deescalation training, a refresher and recertification for defensive tactics, as well as "Stop the Bleeding" training. 

Officers will also undertake weapons familiarization training with the Jefferson County Probations Department. 

As for onsite training to allow officers to be armed, Lepage said he was working with the Sheriff's Office and SUNY Canton to finalize the curriculum, which was submitted to the state for approval prior to undertaking the academy. 

If all goes well, Lepage said officers will begin basic peace officer training in August. 

At the moment, one officer is currently undergoing training, however they will not be allowed to carry a handgun for personal protection until all policies and curriculums are approved. 

Legislator Glenn Webster questioned what equipment was also purchased thus far, noting that the clock was ticking to outfit officers who wished to carry. 

According to Lepage, all equipment and firearms had been ordered and mostly received to the best of his knowledge, though Sheriff Rick Engle commented he had not seen the handguns ordered yet. 

"We should be ready to go soon," Lepage said. 

Lockers to secure the equipment, which includes duty belts, holsters, safety gear and firearms had also been selected and ordered recently. 

Lepage said they should be in this month. 

As for much of the equipment, Lepage said most of it was being ordered and shipped to the Sheriff's Office, though some of it was sent to the Ogdensburg office for the Probation Department. 

"We'll have to get it all in one location to see what we have so far and what else is coming in," Lepage said. 

In less than 45 days, however, county officials will have the final word on when officers can begin training. 

"We're just waiting on SUNY Canton to have the curriculum approved. In 45 days from now...that's the time period we would start that academy," Engle said. 

Lepage noted that multiple officers, as well as correctional officers, would participate in the academy.