[dsc]

What dropped my jaw was learning that the EPA has armed officers.

What, do they think they're going to have pitched battles with kangaroo-rat poaching cartels?

[hedgetrimmer]

What dropped my jaw was learning that the EPA has armed officers

So does NOAA, National Oceanic and Amospheric Adminstration. Their agents, in the name of protecting the monterey bay "sanctuary" can shoot if you "disturb the wildlife".

The California Deparment of Motor Vehicles also has armed officers, as do the state parks department. Many agents for states were deputized following 9/11 by the federal government and given firearms. I am not sure the extent of their training but given the recent shooting event in Monterey Bay CA, where a park patroller shot a dog, for running on the beach without a leash, I'd say it isn't much.

If you dug just a little bit, you'd suprise yourself at the number of state and federal employees that can now carry firearms on the job.