Illinois Cop says "No excuses to not carry"

Courtesy Col Joe Waldron, whose departure* from Washington AC all freedom-lovers lament, we learn of an interesting piece on a website for law enforcement officers, Police One.

The piece is one of a running column on "Career Survival"--which conjures up tips on How Not To Piss Off The Chief more than How Not To Get Killed--but it discusses why a police officer should carry off duty.

Which results in a double take in most parts of the country, where it is automatically assumed that an off-duty officer is armed.** But, note the title of this post again: She is an Illinois Police Officer, a state that hates guns so much that it is common for off-duty cops to have no more right to carry than any other peon subject I mean "citizen." The City of Chicago is the only metropolitan area I know of in the country that absolutely refuses to grant retired city cops the right-to-carry that is semi-automatic*** under Federal law.

So, the topic of this particular piece is "Concealed Carry Clothing".

10/01/2008
Career Survival
with Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith
P1 Exclusive: No excuses to not carry

As of September 1, 2008, five American police officers have been shot and killed while off duty. This is an issue that both my husband and I write and teach about extensively, and in the Street Survival Seminar all of the instructors encourage attendees to be prepared off duty as well as on duty, and that includes being armed when you’re not at work. During the seminar, our unofficial poll reveals that about one third to one half of the officers attending carry an off duty firearm (this varies regionally). As someone who carries a gun just about everywhere but in the shower, I began to study why someone, anyone, who is legally allowed to carry a firearm would choose not to do so.

Fellow cops gave me many reasons, including the close proximity of kids, the objection of a spouse, the desire to be “totally off-the-clock” when not at work, and the “I don’t want to have to get involved” mentality, to name just a few. But one of the most consistent issues I hear from the officers I talk to is this: it’s just too difficult to carry a gun in my off duty attire. This was especially true for women, but many men expressed difficulty concealing a weapon as well, especially in warmer climates. Let’s face it, there are times in all of our lives where the standard ankle, belt, or shoulder holster just isn’t practical.

She reviews several firms that market clothing that is specially intended to aid in the concealed carry of firearms: Smith and Wesson, Coronado Leather, and an outfit that is new to me, LP Defender, which (she says) offers stylish purses for concealed carry.

Others she might have mentioned include 5.11 Tactical Gear and Blackie Collins' Toters, marketed by Dillon Precision of reloading gear fame. There is also the near-ubiquitous photo-journalist vest.

EDIT: Smith & Alexander, known mostly for high-end competition firearms parts, also makes a "concealment vest."

Myself, when I am carrying and don't feel like toting my 1911 in an in-waistband holster--or I'm not dressed for it, like it's hot and humid and I'm wearing running shorts--I will often carry in a Tommy Pack. After several years the zipper on mine blew out; I showed it to the vendor at the fun Show, and they gave me a new one. Gratis.

Otherwise, I often wear a Hawaiian shirt, when the weather is mild enough for it, or a Rugby Shirt, if it is not. Also, friend Josh P points out that it is almost never so hot and humid around here (Western Washington and Oregon) to wear a fleece vest over "whatever"; the trick is to find one that is long enough to provide appropriate cover.

Finally, here is another paragraph from that article which tells me that all is not lost in the Land of Lincoln:

What About Your Spouse or Partner?
All of these products are also great gifts for your spouse who might be hesitant in getting that conceal carry permit because they aren’t used to being armed or don’t know how they will manage to carry a weapon, keep it concealed and still look “normal.” And if you’re hesitant about your spouse or partner carrying a gun, remember off-duty Ogden, Utah police officer Ken Hammond’s response to an active shooter at the Trolley Square mall in Salt Lake City. Very few people know that Ken’s pregnant wife, 911 Operator Sarita Hammond, is also an avid shooter, and she was also armed that day.

Her husband credits her with saving his life. If you’re caught in an unavoidable off-duty confrontation, wouldn’t two armed and trained people be better than one?

I think these words, and those quoted above, may also be used for those loved ones who have excuses as to why they either do not get a concealed carry permit, or have one but don't use it.

I've known guys who tell me "I got rid of my guns because my wife did not want them in the house" or "I ("She") didn't want guns around the kids." It is certainly possible to have guns in the house secured so that your children cannot get at them, and to train them from an early age not to mess with them. ("These are not toys; I will take you shooting, but you must promise never, ever, to touch a gun if I--or Mommy and Daddy, if you prefer--are not there.")

But, by repudiating your right (your duty, some would say) to defend your loved ones, you are gambling that Fate will not put a predator in your way some day, and that there will be police officer close by to act in time.

*Joe was Our Man In Olympia; about a year or so ago he pulled pitch and moved about as far from Washington as he could get and remain in the Continental USA. Don't know if he's involved in Florida politics, or "just" grandkids.

**I suspect that I have "printed" or even accidentally "flashed" my carry piece when out and about, and folks have looked at the middle-aged white guy with short hair who carries himself like a retired soldier, and just assumed that I am either an off-duty or an undercover/plain clothes police officer...

***Sorry for the pun; the right is not "fully automatic" because there are forms to submit and, usually, a periodic qualification.