Question for LEOs: Support conceal carry or not?

mt920 · 08-30-2011, 06:43

This question is for law enforcement officers.

Given the noise across the country with "gun control" these days by politicians and civilians. I was wondering if you, those who lives are threatened by protecting us from the madness of society support "conceal carry" or not.

The LEOs that I know are split on this topic. One will argue that a normal civilian (professional) such as myself should be able to himself and his family. Others argue that with the concern of inexperienced shooters innocent by-standers could be at risk.

Again, "conceal carry" is a topic vigorously argued and heard by those who don't face to danger the most.

Therefore, LEOs, what are your thoughts surrounding "conceal carry". Should we have it or not?

bobcat21 · 08-30-2011, 07:37

I totally support it. It may, possibly, make my job a bit more complicated at times, but that is not a valid reason to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to self-protection.

On a more personal level, most of my family/friends are not LEO, and they deserve the same opportunity to protect themselves as I have.

ghstface38 · 08-30-2011, 07:53

Yes I support legally armed citizens. Yes I conceal carry off duty.

collim1 · 08-30-2011, 08:02

I carried with a CCW permit before starting in LE work. I have no problem with it. It is pretty common in my area, I stop alot of folks with CCW permits each weeks. It causes me no concern.

k9medic · 08-30-2011, 08:03

I don't fear law abiding citizens. It's the ones who don't bother to get a permit that I have a problem with - they are not law abiding.

CCW is great. Too bad we can't expand it to all states like LEOSA.

merlynusn · 08-30-2011, 08:40

I think concealed carry is good. I don't mind law abiding citizens owning and carrying guns.

But having a CCW does not make you a perfect angel. We actually just locked up two over the weekend for violent crimes.

Panzergrenadier1979 · 08-30-2011, 09:46

I completely support CCW. I carried concealed before I was LE. It's our constitutional right, as Americans, to do so.

DOrth · 08-30-2011, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by k9medic

I don't fear law abiding citizens. It's the ones who don't bother to get a permit that I have a problem with - they are not law abiding.

CCW is great. Too bad we can't expand it to all states like LEOSA.

H.R. 822 would require states to recognize other states CHLs like they do D.L.'s

http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactShe...=189&issue=003

I wouldn't mind seeing every state passing Vermont style carry = no permit or license required for open or concealed carry for any adult who may legally purchase and possess handguns.

A friend, fellow church member, husband and father who was the first Police Officer ever murdered in the line of duty was shot and killed in December 2009 on a traffic stop by a licensed Pharmacist who had a CHL and was carrying a Glock 21 purchased by his brother who was a Trussville Police Officer. His murderer was found guilty and sentenced to death earlier this year.

I've stopped hundreds of CHL holders who've never given me a reason to feel the least bit apprehensive, but I direct all adult (including teenagers) to please keep their hands on the steering wheel, dash or back of the front head rest until I've concluded my traffic stop whether they tell me they have a CHL or not or tell me there are firearms in the car when asked.

I presume everyone I come into contact with over the age of 12 to be armed and watch their hands. If I suspect them of committing a crime or have a reasonable suspicion I pat them down to make sure (Terry stop).

***Sam Spade*** · 08-30-2011, 10:01

Back when it mattered, I taught CCW courses. So, yes, I support it and have done a bit to advance it.

OP, you say that cops in your area are "split". What area of the country is that, and what split are you seeing?

Snowman92D · 08-30-2011, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobcat21

I totally support it. It may, possibly, make my job a bit more complicated at times, but that is not a valid reason to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising their right to self-protection.

On a more personal level, most of my family/friends are not LEO, and they deserve the same opportunity to protect themselves as I have.

BULLRUNN · 08-30-2011, 11:49

If your old enough to apply for a permit and can pass the background then I think EVERYONE should pack a gun..remember when SECONDS count us cops are MINUTES away...

Sippo · 08-30-2011, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by mt920

This question is for law enforcement officers.

Given the noise across the country with "gun control" these days by politicians and civilians. I was wondering if you, those who lives are threatened by protecting us from the madness of society support "conceal carry" or not.

The LEOs that I know are split on this topic. One will argue that a normal civilian (professional) such as myself should be able to himself and his family. Others argue that with the concern of inexperienced shooters innocent by-standers could be at risk.

Again, "conceal carry" is a topic vigorously argued and heard by those who don't face to danger the most.

Therefore, LEOs, what are your thoughts surrounding "conceal carry". Should we have it or not?

1. 2nd Amendment = the Law of the Land
2. LEO = Law Enforcement Officer

...Seems to me our job is to promote the law.

Ajon412 · 08-30-2011, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by BULLRUNN

If your old enough to apply for a permit and can pass the background then I think EVERYONE should pack a gun..remember when SECONDS count us cops are MINUTES away...

This.....100%

Ajon412 · 08-30-2011, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOrth

H.R. 822 would require states to recognize other states CHLs like they do D.L.'s

http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactShe...=189&issue=003

I wouldn't mind seeing every state passing Vermont style carry = no permit or license required for open or concealed carry for any adult who may legally purchase and possess handguns.

A friend, fellow church member, husband and father who was the first Police Officer ever murdered in the line of duty was shot and killed in December 2009 on a traffic stop by a licensed Pharmacist who had a CHL and was carrying a Glock 21 purchased by his brother who was a Trussville Police Officer. His murderer was found guilty and sentenced to death earlier this year.
I've stopped hundreds of CHL holders who've never given me a reason to feel the least bit apprehensive, but I direct all adult (including teenagers) to please keep their hands on the steering wheel, dash or back of the front head rest until I've concluded my traffic stop whether they tell me they have a CHL or not or tell me there are firearms in the car when asked.

I presume everyone I come into contact with over the age of 12 to be armed and watch their hands. If I suspect them of committing a crime or have a reasonable suspicion I pat them down to make sure (Terry stop).

I'm sorry for your loss, brother. Is this the incident:

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/05/...ial_of_ma.html

Can you shed any addtional light on this?? The article mentions the defense argued and played the "mental illness" card for the BG.....

Glock411 · 08-30-2011, 13:38

I have known and met a lot of LEO's and I never met one who did not support some type of carry permit, When I lived in Orange county CA, The Capitan of our Local Police Dept. wrote me a recommendation letter for my conceled carry permit,

Agent6-3/8 · 08-30-2011, 13:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghstface38

Yes I support legally armed citizens. Yes I conceal carry off duty.

I carried on a CCW before going into LE and I'm currently carrying on a CCW while I look for another department.

mrsurfboard · 08-30-2011, 13:53

I support CCW as long as they are properly trained and have to qualify twice a year like I have to.

danielspdx · 08-30-2011, 13:56

12+ years on the job and I support Constitutional carry. If someone is legal to own a gun, IMO, they should be able to carry. While I like the idea of training, the local requirements for training are laughable at best. If .gov offered minimal free training, I would support it, but like most things, I think licensing is about money, not safety.

trifecta · 08-30-2011, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sippo

1. 2nd Amendment = the Law of the Land
2. LEO = Law Enforcement Officer

...Seems to me our job is to promote the law.

I'm clearly on Facebook too much as I found myself immediately looking for the "Like" button.

I wonder if there are regional differences in opinion- like a state or area with a rep for being gun unfriendly having officers that are also less inclined to support concealed carry rights.

mildot · 08-30-2011, 14:04

Nine Shooter · 08-30-2011, 14:10

I support CCW and would hope everyone I have dealings with that has one is a responsible shooter and firearm owner. Usually the only times we have negative run-ins with CCW holders is seizing one after someone gets a DUII or some sort of pre-trial release condition. Both of these are fairly rare, which in my mind means that most CCW holders are responsible in other aspects of their lives as well.

ray9898 · 08-30-2011, 14:34

I had a CCW permit long before a badge. I have always supported and always will support law abiding citizens to have a means of protection.

boomhower · 08-30-2011, 14:36

I am completely in agreement with lawful citizens being armed.

RVER · 08-30-2011, 15:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by BULLRUNN

If your old enough to apply for a permit and can pass the background then I think EVERYONE should pack a gun..remember when SECONDS count us cops are MINUTES away...

10-4 that. It costs approximately $35,000.00 per year to keep a felon locked up in a state prison VS $4.50 (the price of 3 Corbon DPX's) for a citizen to put an end to said felon's criminal career. Forever. Just sayin...

I certainly would support if a portion of my tax dollars were spent on background / psychological checks, training, and the arming of "volunteer" citizen crime watch groups.

msu_grad_121 · 08-30-2011, 15:57

I have no problem with CPL holders, and in fact if it were up to me, I'd get rid of most of the "pistol-free zones" in MI. The majority of them are laughable at best. The only negative I've seen is that a lot of CCW'ers I know are pushing for the OC thing all the sudden. Again, another can of worms I'm not gonna open.