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Careers: Police/ASP batons and FOX spray

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Expert: - 6/11/2006


Question
Unfortunately, we live in a rapidly growing rural area.  I say unfortunately because the "old country folk" see nothing wrong with letting their dogs run loose (we recently had a problem with our back neighbor letting their two HUGE, highly aggressive American Bulldogs loose), and because the incoming "yuppies" make the area more attractive to people with "less than honorable" intentions.  My wife and I were looking at getting some sort of baton and some FOX spray for defense against big dogs and anything else while walking our dog. However, I saw your recent answer on the legality (or illegality) of carrying an ASP in Baltimore County.  Is it safe to assume they're illegal (for non LEO) in PG county as well? Would an all around "walking stick" be legal?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Rich, yes, an "all around" walking stick is perfectly legal to carry.  Nothing wrong with that at all.  An ASP would be considered a 'dangerous weapon', and possibly subject you to arrest.

And, pepper spray is perfectly legal for an adult to carry as well.  Just remember, though, that if spraying at a dog or other 'dangerous animal', you may get some blowback onto yourself.  Just a "word of warning".  

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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