Juvenile Probation

Circuit courts administer juvenile probation services at the local level. Court staff that are responsible for supervising delinquent offenders placed on probation are called Deputy Juvenile Officers. These officers are technically employees of the Office of the State Courts Administrator, within the Judicial Branch of State government, and are subject to the standards of the Missouri Supreme Court Rules of Practice and Procedures for Missouri’s Juvenile Courts.

Deputy Juvenile officers generally do not carry a firearm. They are not classified as peace officers but can take juveniles into custody.

Local court rules determine the ability of juvenile court personnel as to whether or not they carry a firearm.

At the time of the survey, it was not under consideration to allow them to carry a firearm.

Juvenile Parole

The Division of Youth Services, within the Executive Branch of State government, administers aftercare supervision for juveniles released from state custody.

These officers do not carry a firearm. They are not classified as peace officers but can take juveniles into custody.

There is an administrative policy that prohibits the officers from carrying a firearm.

There are no private companies providing juvenile aftercare supervision services.

Adult Probation and Parole

Within the Executive Branch of state government, the Missouri Department of Corrections, Board of Probation and Parole provides adult felony probation, most serious (Class A) misdemeanant probation, and parole supervision.

Adult probation and parole officers have the option to carry or not to carry a firearm. They are not classified as peace officers, but do have the power to arrest probationers and parolees. Missouri’s firearm policy was implemented around November 1997.

They receive firearm education and training from the Department of Corrections Training Academy. Both officers who carry and those who do not may take the training. They must proficiently complete the training prior to being allowed to carry a firearm. Officers receive continuing education and training and must re-qualify annually. They do not undergo psychological testing prior to being allowed to carry a firearm.

As of January 2006 officers may still carry 38/357 revolvers as previously required, however they may also choose to purchase Glock models 27,23 or 22 automatics (all 40 S/W caliber) for both on and off duty use after completing transitional training. Glocks may be purchased at a reduced rate through contract with police supplier until June of 2006 at which time officers must purchases their own without departmental assistance.

There are private companies that provide supervision services for those misdemeanor offenders not supervised by the Board of Probation and Parole.

For updates or corrections to the information on this page, please contact: Diane Kincaid