In 1982, a firearm log was initiated requiring officers to document each time they carried a firearm. This log indicated that officers rarely carried firearms. Also in 1982, department policy change limited probation and parole officers' peace officer status. In 1986, the State Department of Corrections conducted a survey of all 50 States to assess the status of weapon control policies for probation and parole officers. Results showed that 48 percent allowed officers to carry a gun on the job, but only 24 percent said that their officers routinely carried guns. In 1987, Oklahoma officers were prohibited from carrying personal firearms and were not allowed to routinely carry any weapons. The ensuing protest and controversy destroyed the balance that had previously existed between officers' law enforcement and case management duties. In 1987, the department decided to issue State-owned weapons to officers upon request. The department was deluged with requests, even from officers who had never carried a firearm. While the right of officers to carry firearms varies by conditions and States, the Oklahoma experience suggests that restricting that right may be interpreted as a lack of caring and trust. 2 photographs.