imported post
I have a CHP, and most of the time I OC. North Carolina allows OC (most places, with a few exceptions). When I first got my permit I mostly CC'd, but these days, I pretty much OC whenever I carry, unless its impractical due to clothing demands (long overcoat, or dressed up in a suit or sports coat)
I've spoken with most of my local LEOs regarding OC (Police and Sheriff's Deputies) and gotten responses ranging from "I have no problem with it" to "If someone complains, I have to investigate, and I'll probably tell you to just cover it", to "OC is not legal, and will be treated as GATTTOTP whenever encountered." (That last one was from a rookie Deputy, who, with his shaved head, abnormally muscular neck, ice-blue eyes, and 'roid-rage power trip attitude, came across as more qualified to be wearing a white sheet than a badge...) It's easier to CC sometimes, like in the winter when I wear a big coat, or when I'm dressed up and wearing a suit. But normally, I OC, and I haven't had any problems so far.
I don't really care about the fingerprinting and background check. I'm adopted, and I have held TS-level clearances in the past, so there are ALREADY big fat files in WV, VA, and DC on me, with fingerprints, Polygraphs, photographs, and who knows what else...
I am a grad student, and am working a "placeholder job" while I go to school. I'm a "night auditor" in a hotel, which means I work from midnight to 8am. You wouldn't believe some of the stuff I've seen. We've had a kid (and I mean WAY under 18) discharging a .40 in the parking lot for "fun". We've had an attempted suicide in our parking lot (yes there WAS a woman AND liquor involved). We've had armed robberies, assaults, and a forceable armed gang-rape. In the restaurant/bar attached to the lobby, we've had all-out bar brawls were the DJ ended up with a fractured cheekbone, and several of the staff were sent to the Emergency Room. And about 1.5 hours away, another of our hotel chain was held up at gunpoint in the middle of the day by two armed youths, who shot (and luckily only grazed) both the staffers even though they emptied the cash drawer for them. My wife (who is a true-blue liberal Democrat, and about as pro-gun-control as they come) actually suggested to me that I get my CHP and carry at work. The owners permit me to do this, so I do, but only CC while on the clock. Some of our more trustworthy repeat customers (mostly construction contractors) know that I carry, and think it's a great idea.
Why do I carry? Because I want to go home in the morning in the same condition in which I started my shift, and because I love my family and want to be there for them for many years to come.
Why do I carry? Because early in the morning (around 7am), on January 25, 1993, I took a shortcut home from work that took me down Chain Bridge Rd through Langley VA in my black Saab 900T. Shortly after I got home, my phone rang, and it was my supervisor calling, telling me to turn on the news. When I did, I saw a picture of what looked like my car (and several other cars), sitting at the light on Chain Bridge, with bullet holes in them. I've wondered almost every day of my life since then if the outcome of that morning might have been different if I'd been an hour later, and had my Colt Delta Elite with me. I carry because I realize that life is precious, unpredictable, and ultimately, success comes down to timing and preparedness.
Why do I carry? Because I have 24-year-old identical twin step-daughters, and I want them to know that I love them as much as I love their mother, and will be prepared to protect them like they were my own flesh and blood if need be.
Why do I carry? Because I work in a "dicey" part of town, and I REFUSE to be a victim or a statistic.
Why do I carry? Because the US Constitution and the NC State Constitution both state very clearly that I MUST, as an active Citizen of the Republic.
Why do I carry? Because My wife lost her dear brother when he was 17 to a senseless random murder, and I don't think she could go through that sort of loss twice and keep her sanity. (My father-in-law also has a CHP, for many of the same reasons...)
Why do I carry? Because I am the only person who is legally responsible for my own safety--not my employer, or the police, or my Legislators.
Why do I carry? Because, legally I can, because as a Citizen I must, and because morally I will it.