An incident 6 years ago involved the potential destruction of a power line by some radicals who were believed to be armed and dangerous. The militants abandoned their plans, but the incident underscored the concern expressed for many years by the company's security personnel. These agents patrolled the utility's 336-mile canal system in the desert, where drug transactions and armed confrontations with militant groups were regular occurrence. Additional factors besides the serious incident helped persuade management that security personnel needed a better way to protect themselves. These factors included a strong working relationship between management and security and thorough research to demonstrate why arming guards wold make good business sense. The research included a survey of other utility companies, contacts with two insurance companies, and meetings with representatives of the 17 law enforcement jurisdictions in which the canal was located. Management expressed willingness to change policy and instructed the security department first to develop a use-of-force policy and training program for its agents. Agents are scheduled to begin carrying their weapons this month. Security is confident that it has enhanced the safety of both the security personnel and the corporate assets. Photographs