Sheriff wants to restrict off-duty guns

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is planning to institute one of the nation's toughest policies on off-duty deputies carrying firearms when drinking alcohol.

Baca says 61 sheriff's deputies have been arrested this year on alcohol-related charges, 39 of which involved driving under the influence, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

"Alcohol and guns don't mix," says Baca.

Under Baca's proposed policy deputies would be banned from carrying a firearm when they are under the influence of alcohol, medication or a controlled substance, the Times said.

Merrick Bobb, who serves as special council to the Board of Supervisors, told the Times the ban would place Los Angeles County at the forefront of an issue that has long been recognized as a problem for law enforcement.

The deputies union has indicated it opposes any restrictions on carrying a weapon while off-duty.