Bullseye: Off-Duty Carry C
ops carry a bunch of emergency equipment on duty: sidearm, extra magazines, OC, Taser, flashlight, etc. However, I would guess only about 25 percent of the officers I know consistently carry a gun off duty. As someone who has always carried a gun when off work, that has always struck me as odd. Do these officers live in a different world when they’re off the clock? It only makes sense that law enforcement officers need sidearms while on duty, but how much does our situation really change when we’re off work? Granted, off-duty cops are less likely to run toward trouble, but sometimes trouble finds you. Obviously, when off duty we don’t have to respond proactively to calls, but how many of us would turn a blind eye to an assault or battery in progress? Not many, I would guess. So, why not have some tools to aid in dealing with the situation? Instead of covering the ‘what’ of concealed carry, let’s take a look at the ‘why.’
Are We Ever Off Duty? Have you ever been recognized when you were off duty by one of your ‘customers?’ I have, unfortunately. I’ve encountered several people ‘after business hours’ that I have investigated, arrested, or cited. Most of those encounters were no more threat- ening than a harsh glance or two, but a few of them involved hand gestures. There were some I perceived that might become violent. Too many of those particular in- stances were during family outings, but thankfully, I always had a firearm and the good sense not to be confrontational. Some years ago at a grocery store in town, I saw an LEO acquaintance from another agency. He was visibly excited. He said that two suspects from a previous arrest he had made were currently at the entrance to the store and had challenged him to a fight. Being in exceptional physi- cal condition, he considered obliging them, but backed down fearing one of them might have a weapon. I didn’t out-
25 The Police Marksman Mar-Apr 2015
A quality IWB holster like these from Ozark Leather Company and a pair of cargo pants can make carrying emergency equipment in ‘civvies’ a snap.
The typical 2-inch, fi ve-shot .38 special revolver conceals easily with almost any clothing choice and can also be readily carried in a front pants pocket.
www.policemarksman.com
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