Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Conklin bill to allow agents at the Office of State Inspector General to carry weapons clears committee, heads for House <

Conklin bill to allow agents at the Office of State Inspector General to carry weapons clears committee, heads for House

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – A strong bipartisan majority of the state House Judiciary Committee today approved state Rep. Scott Conklin’s bill that would permit agents working for the Office of State Inspector General to arm themselves on the job.

Conklin said he introduced H.B. 36 to provide greater protection for OSIG agents, whose law enforcement duties often expose them to the risk of danger.

“As members of a government watchdog agency, OSIG agents investigate fraud and other misconduct in government programs and operations,” Conklin said. “Like other law enforcement officers, they have the power to issue subpoenas and search warrants and to file criminal complaints. Unlike other officers, however, OSIG agents are not permitted to carry a weapon – even though their work often places them in dangerous situations.

“These agents deserve the same protections as their counterparts in other law enforcement agencies to help them stay safe on the job. I’m pleased the committee has advanced my bill, and I’ll be urging my colleagues in the legislature to pass it quickly.”

The committed approved the bill by a 25-1 vote. It now heads to the full House for consideration.