Hey fioys, what happened that made you wonder how it might have turned out if you were not carrying?

I also carry, i have only been at my job for about 5 years now, but have learned that not all inmates stay inmates. They do get out and they do remember you even if you forget their names and faces. We had an inmate who had a problem with authority while in the system. When he was released he relocated to the area. I llive in a small town of 4500 and he relocated from the other side of the state and stayed in the area. I have run into this person numerous times. Even had him come up behind me one time when I was with my family while we were getting groceries. If i was not carrying, dont know how it might of turned out.

I also carry, i have only been at my job for about 5 years now, but have learned that not all inmates stay inmates. They do get out and they do remember you even if you forget their names and faces. We had an inmate who had a problem with authority while in the system. When he was released he relocated to the area. I llive in a small town of 4500 and he relocated from the other side of the state and stayed in the area. I have run into this person numerous times. Even had him come up behind me one time when I was with my family while we were getting groceries. If i was not carrying, dont know how it might of turned out.

I too carried to church at the request of my pastor. Riggsville gets it as we all should. The article is required reading for my students(Defensive Tactics). It’s ok to be a sheep, just don’t dress up as a sheepdog if you don’t have it in you. It’s ok, the rest of us will take care of the wolf. that’s what makes this country so great, we can make those choices. Heller vs Washington D.C.

…Kel Tec PF9 right in my front pants pocket…When I started with with our SO 21 years ago, Corrections Officers were not authorized to carry off duty. However, State Statute gave us the right to carry. SS listed us as LEOs. So, I carried, knowing full well that if caught, I could lose my job…but NOT go to jail. I also knew that the only way they would know was AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARED. If I had to use my firearm I was also ready for the State to “fine 12 people”. If I had just “traded caps” with a bad guy and then get fired from the Sheriff’s Office for protecting myself and or family and or innocent bystanders, so be it. If the SO was willing to read about that in the morning paper and take that bad press, I could live with that.

And to echo Squeeze…Col Grossman’s article SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING FOR EVERY LEO, SWORN, NOT SWORN, CORRECTIONAL OFFICER, RENT A COP, SECURITY GUARD,,,If you put on a uniform, and you don’t get a fire in your belly when you read his article, YOU NEED TO CHANGE CARREERS. Seriously. Not picking a fight here or saying you are a bad person..NOT. But if you are not a “Sheepdog” and can not identify with the “sheepdog prayer” you are in the wrong profession.

…and YES I CARRY TO CHURCH WITH MY PASTOR’S KNOWLEDGE AND BLESSING.

BE SAFE.

edit…and to clarify, two years after I started, our COs got authorization to carry off duty.

I would suggest you read an article by Col. David Grossman (RET) called “Sheep, wolves and sheepdogs”. When you have rfinished reading that article ask yourself the question, shoukld I apply and carry? I have for 28 years carried even in states where there wasn’t a ccw. In some states like Washington St. the jail staff were issued ccw (at least back in the 80’s) and others. The probability that you may encounter a circumstance where you need a weapon is still pretty minute,l but you still have thwe right to defend your family and yourself. Are we part of Law enforcement or not? Do we enforce the laws empowerd by the courts as jail/prison staff or not. When will we be treated as equals to Police/sheriff. Everyone please read that article then re examine our role in the criminal justice system, and decide for yourselves if you should/will carry.

What about while you are at work? Does your institution allow you to bring your weapon on grounds? Do they have a place to secure it?

I have to tell some nasty characters they can not have 2 vicodin three times a day for a hangnail. They get a bit testy shall we say. If I encounter these misunderstood souls on the street, I would like to be able to defend myself a little more forcefully than saying “STOP! or I’ll say STOP again.”

I carry concealed. I also have the family SUV tinted very dark. I run across ex-inmates all the time while stopping for gas and coffee before work. Some even have said hello to me while I was out of uniform. So, to answer your question. I think it’s a good idea if you carry. Also, think of this: your car breaks down and you have to hoof it to the nearest gas station. Or you have to change the tire yourself. Wouldn’t it behoove you to have a concealed firearm? There are a lot of pros to carrying. Then again, you must be very very vigilant while having gun(s) in your home with kids.

Merc, I work for at a private facility in my state. We contract with our state DOC for approximately 1200 inmates. One night my wife, 5 year old daughter and I went to see a hoilday parade in one of the major cities. I was holding my 5 year old’s hand while we were walking around the corner of a building. I did not see the man and just about crashed into him. The next thing I heard was. “Hey C/O how you doing?” I stepped in front of my daughter and my wife pulled her away from me. Afterwards, out of earshot, my wife looked at me and asked me if I had my gun with me. I said. “American Express baby, don’t leave home without it.”

Hello Merc, I don’t know who you work for but consider playing out some “What if” scenarios in your head. After a few of these it may be easier to decide whether or not you should carry concealed. Also consider going on a few ride-alongs with your local PD on any given Friday or Saturday night. After seeing some of the folks you may encounter out there the decision might be easier to make. I got my first CCW in 1992 and have been armed ever since. Stay Safe!!

I work for a private organization and was wondering if any of you all think it would be a good idea to get my CCW license. I hear stories of Officers getting caught on the streets by former I/M’s and being unarmed. I was also wondering how many of you carry weapons with you.