Lesson learned part 2

[wisardd1]

Original thread http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1099609

So as not to be misunderstood, this is a post by John ccw that prompted the question

"The thinking at the Madera Co Sheriff's department used to be- in case of a deputy in trouble situation, the closest backup may be a citizen with a CCW.

I was told this years ago by a deputy Sheriff in my first CCW class. In Eastern Madera County, the LEO's are spread mighty thin. It was really bad in the old days."
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After re-reading this post, which is a great thred, a question came to my mind. The Sheriff stated he felt safer when people carry (implying possible needed back up). I think most of us would feel complelled to back up a Leo if we were needed. So, here are my questions. Do you think the majority of Leos think this way? What are the risks in providing back up? Mostly, would newly arriving Leos be able to distiguish you as a good guy vs a bad guy? Actual Leo feedback would be much appreciated

[wisardd1]

I invited the Leo community to participate in this thread

[gogohopper]

No
Many
Hopefully

[TRICKSTER]

In a survey of LEOs by Police One, 91.3% off the officers surveyed support the concealed carry of firearms by those who have not been convicted of a felony and/or not been deemed psychologically/medically incapable.

[grantar2]

In most jurisdictions a LEO can request or compel support, not that I am aware of any case where that has happened. I think doing so on your own is at your own risk, both legally and financially. That being said if a LEO was down, and about to be executed, I think most of us would be hard pressed not to take action.

The current situation of the lawless feeling then can attack our law enforcement is not good for society as a whole, nor the safety of our kids.

[Citadelgrad87]

There is a gigantic difference between a sheriff accepting Klecks conclusions regarding the impact of CCW on crime rates, and expecting or even wanting CCW to "back up" Leo's.

That's not what I got mine. I rarely say never, but I'm hard pressed to come up with a realistic scenario where I "back up" a cop.

[wisardd1]

I agree. I thought it was worth clarification though.

[baggss]

I think it would all depend on the situation in which one finds ones self and police officer in question. Shy of the above example of an execution I too would be hard pressed to think of a situation where I would need to or consider providing back up an officer on my own accord without risking my own safety and that of the officer. If asked by the officer (who would know I was a CCWer how?) thouigh I would consider providing assistance.

[gwolff]

Definitely agree it entirely depends on the circumstance. If an officer is being beaten unconscious in front of me or something, it would be difficult not to help. It's very difficult to say. We so strongly want NOT to be involved in any situation where we don't absolutely have to. The decision to intervene or not would have to be made on a case by case basis depending on one's confidence in the circumstances.

[keenkeen]

Only if you have your official Calguns CCW zip-ties and handcuffs at the ready-

[razorscs]

Well, I had a nice response written out, but then it just got deleted before I could hit enter... So here's the condensed version.

-Don't intervene with what we are doing unless the officer is in imminent danger - we don't know who you are or why you have a gun drawn. I even feel uncomfortable with plainclothes cops with their badge out in high stress moments if I don't know them.

-Most cops are not afraid of CCW holders because it shows us you care about following the law. Let us know you have it and keep your hands away from it.

-If you think cops think you are a thug/dealer because you are Hispanic then go tour booking at the Sacramento County (where this took place) Main Jail. You will find most being booked are white males.

[wisardd1]

Right on, Great feedback! Thannk you Sir!

[tanks]

... What are the risks in providing back up? Mostly, would newly arriving Leos be able to distiguish you as a good guy vs a bad guy? ...

[slunk0844]

If I had a CCW the only time I would back a police officer is if his life was in danger...otherwise you are putting your own life in danger 10x by drawing your weapon. I'm sure LEO feel 100% the same way.

[v.kevin]

Wasn't there a cop in Oklahoma being beaten over the head by a guy with a shovel or something recently? If I saw a situation like that, I may intervene with my gun. That's about it. Even then, it's risky because at any moment back up could arrive and see a cop on the ground and a guy with a gun.

Best to get the gun reholstered as quickly as possible and look like a good guy.