Most, but not all, of the LE officers I know amazingly do not carry a back-up. In almost all cases, these officers wear uniforms that are too tight to allow proper pocket carry, and even if the uniform is fitted properly, the equipment on the Sam Browne belt seems to interfere with pocket access so much that the officers cannot even put car keys in the pocket, instead hanging them on a belt prong or sticking a key behind the belt. On the strong side the holster, usually a Level 2 at least, with absolutely NO give or flexibility prevents any access to the front pocket, and on the weak side, it is a combination of the magazine pouch, handcuff case, ASP holder, Pepper Spray holder or Taser holder that prevents access.

For most of these folks, a vest holster is the only viable option, accessible when the uniform shirt is unzipped. The vest holster is fitted to the straps which secure the front and back panels of the vest. The holster is usually mounted in between the body and the straps in order to prevent it from "flopping" around during movement. Once tried, most have found this method uncomfortable, and refuse to do it on a daily basis. In addition, most find ankle holsters do not work, even the type designed for the combat type of boots they wear, and like vest carry, those who have tried it are not comfortable with that mode of carry.

This is unfortunate, as it seems to me that all officers should be allowed to carry a back up gun and they should have the ability, given issue or required equipment to have a place for that back up gun.