Morale is slipping among environmental police. They say they're arresting fewer people and handing out warnings instead. All because they have to hand over their guns when they show up at any Massachusetts court.

More than an hundred Environmental Police Officers patrol the woodlands and waterways of Massachusetts. Out there, they have the same powers as any other law officer.

But when they enter court houses to bring their cases before a judge, their handguns must be checked at the door. Going in without a gun makes these officers feel disrespect.

Lisa Fusco, Massachusetts Environmental Police President says, "Even though we have statewide jurisdiction, full police powers throughout the state, we can enforce any and all of the Mass general laws."

Susco adds the courthouse gun ban is affecting the prosecution of cases. Some Environmental Officers are refusing to enter court without their weapon. She says, "I've advised any officers that are a member of our union that we do not condone or recommend leaving a service weapon somewhere else or handing them over to someone in court security who may or may not be trained in handling firearms safely."

Susco says many officers have started handing out written and verbal warnings instead of making arrests. Some go so far as to mail in their citations to avoid what they consider to be an embarrassing situation in court.

Susco says, "It's a pretty sad state of affairs and the tension is escalating now with our officers because it's very, very frustrating. There is no safer officer to be handling firearms in the state than us."

The court system says it's a state policy and wouldn't comment further. State Senator Stephen Brewer from Palmer has filed legislation to give environmental police the same right to bring their guns into court as every other cop.