CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners passed a resolution for a use of force policy for the county’s security guards and watchmen during their regular meeting Tuesday.
The county currently employs a team of security officers to guard and protect the county buildings, its property, its employees and members of the public in or next to its buildings.
“These security officers may have to use force in the course of carrying out their duties,” said Commissioner John A. Sobel, chair.
He noted that many of the county’s security guards are retired from law enforcement with superb training. However, he said it’s still important for the county to support them with a policy.
According to Sobel, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania authorizes the use of force under certain terms and conditions. The county, he said, is adopting it to direct its security officers as to when force may be used in carrying out their duties.
“All Clearfield County security officers shall familiarize themselves with the law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as to the use of force,” he said.
After the commissioners’ meeting, Sobel indicated that the county’s security officers are completing the qualification process and getting certified to be armed.
