First off I'd like to thank all of the LEO's out there that have put their lives on the line to keep us safe. My grandfather was an Indiana State Trooper for 20 years and I've always had the utmost respect for policemen. I would like to know what the LEO's on this forum think about civilians protecting themselves with firearms, whether it be by carrying with a ccw or on their own property. Are the laws in good order or should it be easier for a civilian to use a firearm for protection? And is there anything that we can do to make your jobs easier? Or anything that you run in to being a problem more often than not? I am a firearm enthusiast and personally believe in protecting yourself but I also believe in following the law and would just like to know if there's any advice our LEO's might have on the subject. Thank you for everything you do.

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S&W 686-6 Plus Pro Series

I am all for civilian ownership and carry (open or concealed) Gun ownership by citizens have helped many police officers.

We do not have to worry about the gun, it is the criminal that needs to be the focus of concern. If it were not for the criminal and their actions, guns would not be an issue.

Commonly included in a policeman's oath of office, (and many other government employees/military members/politicians) is the duty to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution, which would include the Second Amendment. Certain factions of these groups have forgotten that, most notably, politicians in particular.

Personally, I have always supported that right and I always will. Undeniably, there are some people I wouldn't trust with a sharp stick, but I support their right to have one.

Cheers;
Lefty

I was 45 years old before I became full time police officer which means I carried concealed long before I was a cop. We are American citizens first living under the protection of the Constitution, we are also officers sworn to protect and uphold it. That includes the 2nd Amendment. I gladly support your right to protect and defend yourself.

I believe the 2nd Amendment is very plain that law abiding citizens have the right to bare arms. I support concealed carry, am a certified instructor and teach CCW classes.

As for what YOU can do to help us . . . law abiding people like YOU are not the problem. Utilize your CCW to protect you and your family when necessary, but don't think it gives you any LE authority. Should you get in a threating situation, back off when the threat has ceased. Be observant and be the best witness you can, but don't go on the offensive (i.e., don't go chasing the bad guys down the street). We have plenty of boneheads who don't know when to back off and end up in a pot full of trouble unnecessarily.

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- Change it back -

When the SHTF I want armed citizens around me. The days after Katrina hit lots of folks were open carrying. They knew communications were down and in some areas they were on there own. There were no shooting incidents and theft and looting was almost nonexistant. Look at what happened in areas where firearms were seized. I have been assisted on more than one occassion by an armed citizen and welcome the help.

To stay alive I lived under the assumption that everybody
was/could be strapped.
I was asked countless times at scenes if "I/WE" should buy a gun ?
Answer was get some training and yes.

It was always reassuring when I was in a tight spot and 40 miles from any back up when some old rancher in a pickup with a 30-30 in the back window would stop and and say, "You need any help there Officer?" I've returned the favor a couple of times myself.

You won't find many LEOs in Wyoming that object to CCW or any other kind of firearms ownership.

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Eccentric old coot

I spent 20 years in LE in a mid size city (250K), Anchorage to be exact. One thing I learned in my 20 years is:

If you want a crime investigated, call 911, if you want to prevent a crime get a good pistol/revolver.

I personally believe that the citizen is the "first responder" for his and his family's safety. It's not only a right but a responsibility.

Now that's my opinion. I have the results of a Survey put out by the National Assn. of Chief of Police from 2009 where you question as one of the questions on the survey. Basicly it said that 94 percent of respondents say that the citizen should have the right to own firearms for sport and self protection.

I'd post the results here, but I'm not sure of the forums copy right rules although the report says it can be repoduced if credit is given to the National Assn of Chief of Police.

I'll leave the choise to post the survey with the moderaters.

All great answers fellows !

When seconds matter, the police are only minutes away!

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Hold my beer and watch this!

I'm a Parole Agent who deals with nothing but sex offenders and guys who have violated orders of protection. I have recommended many times to victims to get a good handgun or shotgun to protect themselves. I wish our state had any kind of concealed carry for our law abiding citizens.

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Always bet on stupidity.

Thank you all for the responses. It's good to know that most LEOs are on the same page about the 2nd amendment. I appreciate the advice on knowing when to "back off" as well. Seems like that would be common sense but as we all know many people lack that. Another thing I was wondering, I travel all over the country continuously and would like to know how you guys handle situations with firearms for out of staters? I have a biometric safe installed in my vehicle (bolted to the frame) and keep my .357 unloaded inside with ammunition. Would I be best off to let an out of state officer know that if I get pulled over? Or only if provoked? I had an incident where my car alarm was going off late at night and the police came which I was glad for. As soon as they saw my safe I suddenly fell under interrogation of all sorts. In the end I didn't have to open it for them or anything, but there was a tense moment where they thought I might have it on me. Keep in mind this was in Scotsdale AZ where you're allowed to conceal carry with out a permit anyway. Would I have been better off just letting them check the gun and my papers right off the bat? Thanks for all the advice!

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S&W 686-6 Plus Pro Series

An armed citizen reduces crime and can be well needed backup on occasion. All law abiding citizens should be armed as long as they are competent with a firearm.

Two things every family should have:
1) A good firearm
2) A great guard dog

I have been to few (random target) break-ins or attacks where the homeowner had a medium/large dog.

I encourage folks to take responsibility for protecting themselves. If everyone owned a gun, our jobs would be a lot easier!

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SV,14,17,21,28,29,39,66,586

With one caveat this is what I would tell people also.

The caveat was. If you are completely convinced that if the situation justified it you would be able to take a life. A firearm must not be displayed with the only intent being intimidation. While you may not have to do any more than display the firearm you MUST be capable of using it if necessary. If you cannot say YES to this to yourself then the answer is NO, you should not buy a firearm.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

First of all i'd like to thank the men and women of Law Enforcement
past and present. So good to hear the responses of these people
about citizens carry. It's also good to know that these men and women
know that criminals are the problem and not the guns themselves.
Good post.
Totally agree with Alk8944, however when he says be very sure about your ability to "use when nessecary" if you are going to chose to carry.
Pulling a gun on someone as a "bluff" can turn out very badly.


chuck

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They hold no Quarter

Totally agree. I teach concealed pistol classes to civilians and spend a lot of time talking about this. If you can't use a gun in a situation, you will end up supplying the bad guy with a free weapon.

If you choose to carry, develop the warrior mindset. And practice. A lot.

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Get off my lawn.

Did ya'll miss the "get some training" part...IE "mindset" proper use is SOP and is included in any basic course.
Training is to get the basic use of your weapon and why you have it.
If you can't get your head around the "WHY" and you blink...
then you likely will become a stat.