"Is that your second job?"

[WalkingWolf]

My job is Unarmed hospital security. I can't carry for the 8 hours I am at work. As soon as I clock out and get to the parking lot I take my uniform shirt off and put on a "civilian" shirt and cap. Then my pistol goes on my belt. I have had people see me shopping and, indicating my pistol, ask if I am a security guard. Since I'm off the clock, away from my job site, and not in uniform, nor would I be allowed to have the gun if I was on duty, I tell them "No, I'm not a security guard." Sure, technically I am. But they see the gun and assume that the gun has to do with my job, ie, I must be an armed guard, which I am not. Just as I am not walking around pretending to be a cop I am also not going to give anyone the mistaken impression I am a Armed Security Officer which is regulated in this State. I just tell them No and then continue what I'm doing.
For what it's worth, the gun isn't even necessary for someone to assume you are a cop or security. I am a ham radio operator and often carry a HT (walkie talkie) on my belt. This alone is enough to make a clueless citizen jump to the assumption that you must be an "officer".

We have a few, mind you very few, volunteer fire persons who carry radios, AND badges around. Not sure the reasoning on it though since it is not like a fire can see a badge and stop. Because of the good they do for the community I shrug it off. I was issued a pager as a LEO, and I hated it, I "accidentally" turned it off, or the batteries went dead continually while I was off work. One day I went to work and they handed me a case of batteries. After that I made sure I was out of range on my day off.

Kudos to you for being responsible while OCing, and not letting people get the wrong idea.

 

[mjcromp]

I have had many kids ask if I was a cop. Not an adult yet though. I wear almost in hopes of someone asking and getting the opportunity to educate them.

 

[eye95]

Maybe we should say that we are "Personal Security Specialists." I wouldn't mention that the persons being secured would be me and mine and that it was not a job but a responsibility. However, on the surface, the statement would be true.

 

[Silvertongue]

Maybe we should say that we are "Personal Security Specialists." I wouldn't mention that the persons being secured would be me and mine and that it was not a job but a responsibility. However, on the surface, the statement would be true.

I like it, eye. Have to use that one someday.

Because I'm kind of loud and social, a lot of people in the area that holds a lot of restaurants I visit recognize me from my job (I work retail) and ask if I'm security there.

So far the best response I can come up with is "We all take the safety of our customers very seriously and work to make [the store] as safe as possible."

I really don't want to let it slip that our store security isn't allowed to carry guns.

On the other hand, maybe one of the guys listened to James Yeager's "able but not allowed" rant.

 

[hrdware]

Last year on the day OC became legal here, I had to go inside my bank. My bank is posted so left the sidearm in the car. My shirt was covering the top part of the holster and the security guard saw the bottom part of it. He followed me out and this was the conversation:

SG: Are you on duty today?
Me: Ummm....no.
SG: You can't carry a gun in the bank.
Me: I didn't, it's and empty holster, the gun is in the car.
SG: Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to accost you.

We then had a short chat about OC and how the security guards have tried to get the credit union to remove their gunbuster signs.

 

[DrakeZ07]

[snipped for ease of posting]
This led me to wonder how often others on this forum are mistaken for armed security or off-duty police, as well as what people wear while open carrying. I personally changed my wardrobe once I made that decision and have mostly moved away from graphic t-shirts and blue jeans to button-up shirts and khaki pants. I suppose a semi-well-dressed person is mostly left alone.

Thoughts?

Why would you change how you dress, or look, just because you carry a sidearm?

I never understand why people change how they look, from their clothes, to hair-styles, ro make-up, just because they start OC'ing. It seems so silly, really. The only reason I've been told, that they do so, is because they don't want to be harassed by cops, or be the target of an MWAG call.

You wouldn't believe how many times I woke up on a hot summer morning, too lazy to take a shower and get clean, throw on a old work T-shirt covered in glue spots and old grease stains, put on a pair of cut-off jean shorts, throw on a hat to cover my dirty hair, and strap on my carry gun, then go to town and stuff. I've had more LEO encounters, and harrasment from anti-gun citizens when I Open Carry while wearing khaki's, or a clean press shirt, and perfectly styled hair, than I ever have while wearing pink camo, or green camo pants at a gun show filled with uniformed cops.

You shouldn't change anything about yourself, just because you're wearing a sidearm. The object is to be so used to having a sidearm on, that its become a thing of second nature, where you're not fidgeting, or nervous, or anything. And if someone doesn't like the fact that you're wearing jungle Cammie pants, and a black T-shirt with a drop-leg holstered pistol, then they can go pound sand, while you go about your life.

sorry to be long winded, and in a part of the forum that I almost never pay attention, but I kinda felt like it wasn't being pointed out enough that someone cared more about looking professional, than being comfortable. In a way, in my opinion, wearing clean pressed slacks, and a clean button-up shirt, with a sidearm makes you look more like a cop, and more of a target for confrontation, than wearing a shirt with a confederate flag on the back of it, and gay pride flag hot pants. I've even been given cop discounts for wearing just that!

 

[WalkingWolf]

Why would you change how you dress, or look, just because you carry a sidearm?

I never understand why people change how they look, from their clothes, to hair-styles, ro make-up, just because they start OC'ing. It seems so silly, really. The only reason I've been told, that they do so, is because they don't want to be harassed by cops, or be the target of an MWAG call.

You wouldn't believe how many times I woke up on a hot summer morning, too lazy to take a shower and get clean, throw on a old work T-shirt covered in glue spots and old grease stains, put on a pair of cut-off jean shorts, throw on a hat to cover my dirty hair, and strap on my carry gun, then go to town and stuff. I've had more LEO encounters, and harrasment from anti-gun citizens when I Open Carry while wearing khaki's, or a clean press shirt, and perfectly styled hair, than I ever have while wearing pink camo, or green camo pants at a gun show filled with uniformed cops.

You shouldn't change anything about yourself, just because you're wearing a sidearm. The object is to be so used to having a sidearm on, that its become a thing of second nature, where you're not fidgeting, or nervous, or anything. And if someone doesn't like the fact that you're wearing jungle Cammie pants, and a black T-shirt with a drop-leg holstered pistol, then they can go pound sand, while you go about your life.

sorry to be long winded, and in a part of the forum that I almost never pay attention, but I kinda felt like it wasn't being pointed out enough that someone cared more about looking professional, than being comfortable. In a way, in my opinion, wearing clean pressed slacks, and a clean button-up shirt, with a sidearm makes you look more like a cop, and more of a target for confrontation, than wearing a shirt with a confederate flag on the back of it, and gay pride flag hot pants. I've even been given cop discounts for wearing just that!

+1 and remember, cops know who most other cops are, and cops off duty do not want to be recognized as cops. When off they wear jeans and sweatshirts, or something like that. The only time they dress up is for a reason to dress up, court, duty, dates, as a general rule. If a person is going to get hassled, they are going to get hassled. The gun is the focus of objection with those that fear firearms, not how a person is dressed.

 

[kinggabby]

I was hanging out at my local c-store last night. While there a man who had been sitting on the curb walked over to me and explained how he was not trying to loiter and that his ride left him. The he proceeds to ask my permission to go inside the store to use the rest room I was just to tired and my voice was fading to say anything . I as someone posted do not dress up to OC. I also want to be comfortable. I never pretend to be security or LEO. And when asked if I am either I say no I am just a well armed citizen. A few times I have told people I am a well armed loiterer. I usually get a few laughs from that one.

 

[Aknazer]

Why would you change how you dress, or look, just because you carry a sidearm?

I never understand why people change how they look, from their clothes, to hair-styles, ro make-up, just because they start OC'ing. It seems so silly, really. The only reason I've been told, that they do so, is because they don't want to be harassed by cops, or be the target of an MWAG call.

You wouldn't believe how many times I woke up on a hot summer morning, too lazy to take a shower and get clean, throw on a old work T-shirt covered in glue spots and old grease stains, put on a pair of cut-off jean shorts, throw on a hat to cover my dirty hair, and strap on my carry gun, then go to town and stuff. I've had more LEO encounters, and harrasment from anti-gun citizens when I Open Carry while wearing khaki's, or a clean press shirt, and perfectly styled hair, than I ever have while wearing pink camo, or green camo pants at a gun show filled with uniformed cops.

You shouldn't change anything about yourself, just because you're wearing a sidearm. The object is to be so used to having a sidearm on, that its become a thing of second nature, where you're not fidgeting, or nervous, or anything. And if someone doesn't like the fact that you're wearing jungle Cammie pants, and a black T-shirt with a drop-leg holstered pistol, then they can go pound sand, while you go about your life.

sorry to be long winded, and in a part of the forum that I almost never pay attention, but I kinda felt like it wasn't being pointed out enough that someone cared more about looking professional, than being comfortable. In a way, in my opinion, wearing clean pressed slacks, and a clean button-up shirt, with a sidearm makes you look more like a cop, and more of a target for confrontation, than wearing a shirt with a confederate flag on the back of it, and gay pride flag hot pants. I've even been given cop discounts for wearing just that!

I have shirts that say things like "I put the laughter in slaughter" and "I hear voices...and they don't like you" among other shirts with similar sayings from my youth. Wearing a shirt like those while OCing is going to send the wrong message to the masses, so I changed what I wore in order to send a more positive image. Why would I do that? Because while it "shouldn't" matter, by changing the public's mind on the subject makes it easier to work on restoring our rights and changing my attire helps to achieve that goal.

 

[WalkingWolf]

I have shirts that say things like "I put the laughter in slaughter" and "I hear voices...and they don't like you" among other shirts with similar sayings from my youth. Wearing a shirt like those while OCing is going to send the wrong message to the masses, so I changed what I wore in order to send a more positive image. Why would I do that? Because while it "shouldn't" matter, by changing the public's mind on the subject makes it easier to work on restoring our rights and changing my attire helps to achieve that goal.

Well I never did wear shirts like that, and I never change my attire to send a more positive image. And I never have a problem. I have wore tshirts while ocing, though I prefer long sleeve button shirts, not dress, but work type shirts. I prefer jeans, or carhart pants, I believe they call the material duck. I wear either sandals, moccasins, or those canvas sneakers that slip on. I think they used to call them "Keds". Ohh and a ivory straw Resistol hat with a gold and silver wreath pin.

If anybody does not like it, they can go procreate themselves.

 

[Aknazer]

Well I never did wear shirts like that, and I never change my attire to send a more positive image. And I never have a problem. I have wore tshirts while ocing, though I prefer long sleeve button shirts, not dress, but work type shirts. I prefer jeans, or carhart pants, I believe they call the material duck. I wear either sandals, moccasins, or those canvas sneakers that slip on. I think they used to call them "Keds". Ohh and a ivory straw Resistol hat with a gold and silver wreath pin.

If anybody does not like it, they can go procreate themselves.

I was simply showing why I chose to change my clothes and how it comes down to personal choice. Those particular shirts would potentially send a questionable image before carrying a gun, but while carrying I felt that they would hurt my goal of getting more people to accept both the 2A and OC. Since that is counter to my goal I simply made some modest changes to my attire (namely don't wear shirts with questionable messages on them).

 

[kinggabby]

I was simply showing why I chose to change my clothes and how it comes down to personal choice. Those particular shirts would potentially send a questionable image before carrying a gun, but while carrying I felt that they would hurt my goal of getting more people to accept both the 2A and OC. Since that is counter to my goal I simply made some modest changes to my attire (namely don't wear shirts with questionable messages on them).

I can agree with this . I would not own shirts that have vulgar or questionable messages on them. My are mainly sports related shirts .

 

[WalkingWolf]

I was simply showing why I chose to change my clothes and how it comes down to personal choice. Those particular shirts would potentially send a questionable image before carrying a gun, but while carrying I felt that they would hurt my goal of getting more people to accept both the 2A and OC. Since that is counter to my goal I simply made some modest changes to my attire (namely don't wear shirts with questionable messages on them).

I would never wear those shirts in the first place, but this is a free country. If I did wear those shirts I would still wear them if OCing. But then I have a different outlook on life. I do not try to offend, but don't care if I do. The only reason I don't carry a small female personal massage device in my pocket to give to numpties is my wife threatening me with a can of whoop arse if I do. I would love to hand one to the person who makes the mistake of telling me how to dress or about my carry. I don't play games with fools.

 

[eye95]

I realize that, while one should not judge a book by its cover, folks do. Reality. I dress based on the context of the situation. One element of context is OC.

 

[Silvertongue]

I suppose I could send the same message with a polite smile and nod.

The neutral or even slightly good people should see it as "Oh what a nice young man."

The not-so-well-meaning should see situational awareness as a deterrent, almost as much as the "I have a tiny penis" indicator on my hip.

 

[marshaul]

I would never wear those shirts in the first place, but this is a free country. If I did wear those shirts I would still wear them if OCing. But then I have a different outlook on life. I do not try to offend, but don't care if I do. The only reason I don't carry a small female personal massage device in my pocket to give to numpties is my wife threatening me with a can of whoop arse if I do. I would love to hand one to the person who makes the mistake of telling me how to dress or about my carry. I don't play games with fools.

lol, I confess that one of my favorite bands is Pig Destroyer, and I own two of their shirts.

Given the right context, I will wear them while OC. :uhoh: Why not?

Fortunately, they're fairly obviously band shirts. :lol:

 

[since9]

This led me to wonder how often others on this forum are mistaken for armed security or off-duty police, as well as what people wear while open carrying.

Often enough I started capitalizing on it by dressing the part - nice pants and shoes, button-down shirt, close-cropped hair...

I suppose a semi-well-dressed person is mostly left alone.

If you look professional and act in a professional manner, you'll largely be treated professionally.

 

[WalkingWolf]

lol, I confess that one of my favorite bands is Pig Destroyer, and I own two of their shirts.

Given the right context, I will wear them while OC. :uhoh: Why not?

Fortunately, they're fairly obviously band shirts. :lol:

Band shirts? Are you a drummer by chance?

 

[marshaul]

Band shirts? Are you a drummer by chance?

Nah. I was the lead vocalist (screaming mostly) in a band for a little while. We jammed quite a bit.... Over a decade ago. :lol:

That's about the extent of my musical history.

 

[Silvertongue]

Band shirts? Are you a drummer by chance?

Do I sense a "learn a real instrument" joke in the works?