Peace Officer
My question to you is why did you carry openly, as a peace officer? I imagine the answer is you might need immediate access to your handgun.
Right there, is my answer to your question. Before my health decline, I helped SO many motorists who either had a wreck or vehicle problems. But, not everyone on the side of the road, wants help. They could be conducting a drug deal, while I walk up to ask if I can help.
I used to only carry only a .380 on my left ankle until the day that I chased three armed bank robbers. As a private detective and one who God gave instints to turn down certain roads and every single time, someone needed help - I interfaced with local law enforcement until all LEOs, police chief, Sherrif and dispatch knew me.
This day, I got into my vehicle to find my rear view mirror and mount on the floor. I was sitting at a park, eating lunch, when I heard dispatch putting a BOLO out for these robbers. They had pepper sprayed all tellers. I was through with lunch and I was headed that way anyway.
I observed a vehicle with the three black males and I called 911. They insisted that I get close enough to get the tag number. I protested saying they would make me as my vehicle had a lot of antennas and many thought I was law enforcement. I did as asked and they made me.
They began making U turns, etc. Finally, they pulled into a driveway, while I had to do a U turn in a nearby intersection. Without a rear view mirror, I didn't know which way they turned, at the end of the street. Dispatch had been updating law enforcement, but the delay didn't allow them to get were I was.
Anyway, I chose left and there were dozens of LE vehicles. They had turned right. But, after going back to the bank and being interviewed by the FBI, I was told they would be "hit" later that night.
I thought a lot about what happened. All they had to do was to stop, get out and unload on me. With my long legs, I wouldn't have had a chance getting to my little .380 with no extra magazines. THAT is when I began open carry and frankly, I don't give a BLANK what anyone thinks about it.
I am in a warm climate, so it is very hard to conceal a high caliber pistol. When it is cold, I will conceal carry. My focus is immediate access to my firearm, just as every LEO has. Why should a citizen have to waste time getting to a concealed and possibly lower caliber firearm, when LE carrys openly?? I can legally carry openly and I shall continue.
By the way, open4years doesn't mean I carried openly for 4 years. It means FOR years. I learned how to open carry where almost no one notices. This was not the case when I began. The majority of people are very unobservent. But, if someone notices and is concerned, I tell them I have a permit to carry.
I could have shared more examples that lead me to open carry, that didn't involve putting my life on the line. But, I am not defending my choice, I'm explaining it to you. I hope you understand. If not, I won't lose any sleep!
