what do law enforcement officers think of law abiding citizens carrying a legal concealed firearm?

Answer 1

As an officer I have no problem with anybody carrying a firearm provided they do so in compliance with the laws of their state.

Additionally, if I stop you for a violation, I appreciate when I'm told that you are legally carrying a weapon although ALL officers will consider everyone armed until the traffic stop is terminated.

Best wishes.

Answer 2

Is the US so dangerous that people feel the need to carry a concealed weapon? In some areas, yes. The United States is a big country with about 300 million people, some good, some bad, some very bad. There are some areas in the US that are really dangerous, ironically these also tend to be the areas with the strictest gun laws. Then there are other areas that look like a Norman Rockwell painting. I sometimes carry a concealed firearm when traveling on long trips because I realize that I am ultimately reasonable for my own protection. When danger threatens it's usually too late to call a policeman. Violent crime in the US is the result (in my opinion) of a lenient judicial system that favors the rights of the guilty at the expense of the victim. Over the last 40 years this has only gotten worse. In the US violent criminals are seriously dealt with only after committing several crimes, often having sentences bargained down to a lesser offense in court before their criminal activity finally earns them a significant prison term. The US is one of the few counties where citizens can legally own firearms, and under the right circumstances even own full auto weapons (think machine gun). This gun-love we have is something uniquely American. The United States was born through the muzzle of a gun and firearms played a decisive roll in the shaping of this country. The right to own a firearm is just as important to most Americans as the right to free speech and a free press. You would be hard pressed to find another country on the planet that is more atavistic about firearm ownership than the United States.

Answer 3

I peresonally don't have any problem with the concept of a law abiding citizen carrying a concealed weapon, provided that this person follows the rules that are given to them when they get their permit to carry.

Unfortunately, I've had 1 to many car stops where the person I've stopped, failed to inform me that they are carrying a concealed weapon w/ a permit. These same individuals then reach for the glove compartment & of course their jacket/shirt/sweater rides up exposing the firearm & the next thing they know is my firearm is drawn and I'm pulling them out of the car and putting them face-down on the ground.

Most of these people apologize, but I actually had 1 person file a complaint against me for abuse of authority and discourtesy. Long story short, his permit was revoked and the complaint was voided and my record expunged.

Answer 4

As a long-time (28 yrs) officer, I welcome all law-abiding citizens interested in concealed carry to investigate the issue. The key word: law-abiding. If the person is law-abiding, then law officers have nothing to fear from them.
The problem is the non-law-abiding people. Those people will carry weapons and use them regardless of laws, and will continue to provide job security for officers everywhere.
Of course this is just my opinion.

Answer 5

I am working on a criminology degree and am an Army MP. From my education, training and experience, I STONGLY encourage every RESPONSIBLE person who legally can, to become licensed and carry RESPONSIBLY. At times, it will make law enforcement difficult in that each time a weapon is found, most officers are required to run a serial number check and do a search. BUT the out come will have a positive impact on society.

States which issue concealled weapons permits have found that the number of permits issued is complimented by lower violent crime rates (study Florida Crime statistics). Areas like DC which permits are not issued regularly see the highest of violent crime rates as criminals know that their victims cannot defend themselves.

Answer 6

Personally I am all for it. As long as it is done legally and the person carrying the gun isn't a cowboy. I believe in the right to protect ones self. If you do encounter an Officer, be it for a traffic stop or something else make sure you inform him that you are armed and are licensed to do so.

Answer 7

They couldn't like it. I wouldn't if I was a cop. I hardly trust anyone with a gun. practice shooting, hunting etc. How would u like a law abiding person having a gun that is bipolar in the mist of a divorce after catching their wife in the sack wit another man His "boss". Happens all the time shootout.

Answer 8

Initially many opposed it, but the effect has been no increase in firearm crimes and a reduction in crime. I got a license to carry after two evening sessions and a long period on a firing range. I am for it.

Answer 9

I think it's a great idea if the person carrying has experience with firearms.

Answer 10

I'd say you have about a 70/30 split in favor of people carrying guns with a CCW.