On Tuesday, Fresno County Supervisors will consider allowing qualified county staff to bring guns and other weapons into the Hall of Records and other county property.

The county ordinance would expand who is allowed to carry tasers, pepper spray, and firearms at work. Supervisors and some agricultural commissioner workers with a concealed carry permit can already carry guns.

The new rule would allow the county administrative officer and county counsel — provided they have an active CCW — to bring guns to work. The rule would also allow other county staff with a CCW to carry if they get approval from the administrative officer.

Bredefeld said the rule would help keep workers safe.

“We live in times where threats are made, and I want them to be able to protect themselves, as well,” Bredefeld said. “There may be other county employees who also feel the need to protect themselves because they’re in situations that could be dangerous for them.”

CCW Gun Crime Rates Low: Bredefeld

Tasers and pepper spray would especially help protect animal control officers who face dangerous situations from people and dangerous animals, Bredefeld said.

After attending a training course on proper use and approval by the administrative officer, county workers could bring those weapons into county buildings.

If approved Tuesday, it would get a second hearing July 14.

Bredefeld said he doesn’t worry about the safety of having authorized county employees bringing guns onto county property given the low crime rates of CCW holders.

“Statistically, there are rare instances of problems with CCW-trained people,” Bredefeld said. “I’m also a firm believer, frankly, that an armed society is a polite society.”