The deputies' union adamantly opposes any restrictions on a deputy's ability to carry a weapon while off-duty. But Sheriff Lee Baca said he's determined to get his way, noting that there has been a "very disturbing" rise in alcohol-related misconduct among his deputies.
This year alone, 61 deputies have been arrested on alcohol-related charges. Of those, 39 were accused of driving under the influence, nearly twice the average of recent years. Many of those arrested were armed.
