A sheriff in southwest Ohio is encouraging civilians on his staff with licenses to carry guns to bring their weapons to work after recent attacks against police officers in other parts of the country.

The Hamilton-Middletown Journal-News reports Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones also urged civilian employees to carry their weapons while operating any department vehicle away from headquarters.

Jones made the suggestion to employees in a memo on Friday. He urged them to carry their weapons discreetly when in public.

The sheriff also reminded staffers to adhere to state guidelines for carrying concealed weapons when off department premises.