Local News
Wisconsin bill could arm parole agents
Those dealing with dangerous criminals feel vulnerable
Parole agents in Wisconsin want more protection when dealing with criminals who might hurt them.
Those agents are not allowed to carry weapons now, but a bill introduced in the Assembly could change that.
La Crosse County Sheriff Steve Helgeson supports the plan to give guns to agents, considering the dangerous nature of their work.
Helgeson says the push for arming parole agents is coming from bigger cities like Milwaukee, where there’s a “different atmosphere” than you’ll find in La Crosse.