Comments on: PoliceOne Off-Duty Carry Survey: Dismal Results

By: Benjamin Waldron

Benjamin Waldron — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:03:40 +0000

I ma just a student that wants to be a corrections officer so I do not presume to know anything about policing yet. But I do hope that officers will keep in mind that there paramount aim is to protect people. Yes they should protect themselves and their famalies but one can never be prepared for every situation. My opinion also depend upon the temper of the officer and what he plans to do while he is out of his home. If he just plans on going shopping or to the movies or some other social gathering than I say more power to ya. If on the other hand he is planning on going drinking with a few of his buddies from the force, then for pete freaking sake leave the stupid gun at home, please. We have enough problems with the bad guys trying to hurt the publice and now we have to deal with a drunk cop waving his gun around. I am not calling all police officers drunks, please do not think that I am. All that I am requesting is that police use commone sense when deciding to go out and have a “few” beers.
Thank you for listening.

By: Richard

Richard — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:59:50 +0000

Howard,

Thanks for checking in. I wish more good people (cops and citizens) would get their heads right and carried the tools they might need to protect themselves.

Stay safe,

Richard

By: Howard

Howard — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:35:58 +0000

I do carry a gun all the time. The day I became a cop I went out into the world armed. My left-wing liberal wife (in art school at the time) was appalled. Not knowing that this was “normal” she actually called my department (behind my back) to report my unstable and obviously deranged behavior. They explained to her that yes, cops do carry guns off duty and it is perfectly normal and legal. I didn’t find out about that call till years later… So, here even the wife of a cop is so deep in sheep-dom that as an adult, she didn’t realize that cops carry guns all the time for whatever may come their way.

In 16 years as a cop, I have only had to draw and present my handgun 1 time in an off-duty situation. Didn’t have to fire which was good. But the whole thing happened almost on auto-pilot. Trouble erupted before my eyes and rapidly came my way. I was on a cell phone call, fat dumb and happy… Without hesitation I dumped the phone, drew from under my untucked shirt, and presented in textbook fashion. All a product of obvious massively redundant training. The speed of my response and the no-BS challenge from me shocked the evil-wrongdoer into submission. Without the gun, I was a statistic…no doubt.

Parting thought:
We had a case here at my Southern California agency about 3 years ago that sums it all up. Middle class family (dad, mom, 2 kids) are eating in a well known restaurant chain in a nice mall in a really decent part of town. Birds chirping, violins quietly playing, no chance of danger…Sheep’s paradise. A few tables over, a parolee and his girlfriend are eating. The parolee has been without sleep for 3 days on a Meth binge. He was becoming very paranoid and was starting to break down. The dad starts laughing at something the kids said. The parolee is convinced that the dad is ridiculing and laughing at him. The parolee pulls an 8 inch combat knife from under his coat. The knife has built-in metal knuckles with spikes on the tips. A trench knife, a really nasty tool. In a rage he confronts the dad and his family about his perceived wrongs. Brandishing the knife at the family, yelling and challenging the dad.
Thank god, the parolee bailed without stabbing anybody. But the point is that the outcome was pure luck and rested exclusively with the parolee. The man and his family were completely helpless to act. They were at the mercy of the Meth-head.

I got home from work and told my entire family (even the 5 and 7 year old sons), If anything like that happens to us as a family, the moment you see that knife come out, for God sake, please put your hands over your ears to protect your hearing! Its, going to get very loud in that restaurant….

By: RON

RON — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:55:18 +0000

A cop is a cop on duty and off. most are thought of in this way.

By: fedcop

fedcop — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:30:53 +0000

Im a federal police officer and my Deparment wont let us carry off duty. What can i do about this.

By: Insp Gadget

Insp Gadget — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:44:24 +0000

I agree that it is absolutely disturbing that many officers don’t carry. I know a lot of guys that dont simply because it is uncomfortable or in their mindset they’re “off the clock”. I’m lucky in my career to not have had any perps (at least that I’m aware of) that have a vendetta against me. But still, this job has opened my eyes to what’s out there and made me more aware of the possible dangers that exist. I don’t plan on being Det. John McClain, but should a situation arise, I’d rather know that I have the ability and tools to react rather then live with the regret that I couldn’t.

By: jr

jr — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:21:57 +0000

I’m a s—- magnet even off duty. I’ve been a major texas city police officer for 16 yrs. Off duty I’ve arrested Burg. Hab’s, Thefts, BMV actors and encountered a Public Intox. person at a family owned restaurant with the charge enhanced to assault public servant. I’ll carry even when I retired.

By: Al.

Al. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 23:45:31 +0000

I you are a sworn officer the oath does not quit when you sign “off Duty” and some of these mugs will follow you home, then your family and friends get involved. Think it over!

By: concerned citizen

concerned citizen — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:16:16 +0000

Laws only apply to law abiding citizens, that is the problem. The criminal doesn’t care that its illegal to carry a gun to facilitate his illegal action. All the laws are succeeding in doing is disarming law abiding citizens.

By: Deputy Polarbear

Deputy Polarbear — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:23:11 +0000

Here in Los Angeles, it is beaten into your head from day 1 in the academy to ALWAYS carry when off duty.

In the last 20 years, we have had at least 5 off duty LASD deputies who were murdered after being IDed as LEOs. I dont plan on being #4 if I have anything to say about it.

By: Michael King

Michael King — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:11:14 +0000

If you choose to be armed at all times, you can make a rational decison to intervene during a critical event. If you are not armed, the decision has often already been made for you.

By: admin

admin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:30:40 +0000

Dave,

Thanks for checking in. That is an unfortunate legal situation for you and your partners. Do the best you can and stay safe!

–Richard

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:05:45 +0000

I know the laws are much different in the US, than in Canada, however most if not all departments here actually do not allow you to carry off-duty. There are some officers that do anyway, but if you were seen carrying in an off-duty context — you could face reprimand or charges as a result. Its a different culture up here of sorts, but in defence of officers here, they simply just aren’t allowed to. There are exceptions, such as federal officers (RCMP) who can carry as they are on callout, etc.

By: Jim Kuzak

Jim Kuzak — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:58:12 +0000

I could not agree more. It seems that many officers feel that their day as an officer ends with changing clothes. We affect so many peoples lives in so many ways. Mostly, the affect is one that becomes hatred toward the police officer.

I can’t imagine not being able to protect my family from one of my past arrestee’s just because I chose to ignore my responsibility. We all chose this job at some point and understood its demanding schedule, physical requirements and exhausting affect to our families. If it is not for you retire or leave!!! Otherwise you may hurt your fellow officer or your own family

By: carlos

carlos — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:37:45 +0000

you never know when that guy you arrested a year ago will catch you off duty in a dark parking lot. you may not remember every person you’ve arrested but you can bet they remember you. don’t be stupid carry a gun always.