Expert: Jim Pastore - 8/28/2005

Question
Hello,
 I need a little advice on a situation involving a friend of mine. She was the victim of a violent crime a while back and has been increasingly concerned about her safety, to the point of needing to carry some sort of weapon on her to feel safe. She started out with a knife, which I told her was probably not the best idea since it can so easily be used against her. I recommended she carry mace or look into getting a gun permit. She ended up going and getting a BB gun, which looks much to real becuase she painted over the orange tip. Her reasoning is that someone won't attack her if they think she has a gun, and if they do, getting shot by it will stun them long enough for her to get away. I am terrified that she is going to get shot by the police or someone else and I am wondering, for one if BB guns are legal to have out in public, and also if painting over the orange tip is illegal? I don't want to get her in trouble but I am tempted to go to the police and have them talk to her so that she realizes the seriousness of carrying that gun. I am also wondering if I should encourage her to get a ccw permit. What do you have to do in order to get one? I would like to think that she is responsible enough, but I don't want to encourage her unless she will have to go through a lot of training beforehand. Is there usually any training required to carry a gun? One other thing, she says shes not sure that she could use lethal force if necessary, so are there any other options (besides Mace, which she already carries) for a non-lethal weapon?
Thanks for all your time,
Lina  

Answer
Lina,

   I'm not sure what state your in so I'm really not sure how to answer your question. I would advise you to contact your local police or sheriff's dept and ask them what direction you should go. I don't want to give you the incorrect information on this. Your local department would be better able to answer your questions.

Jim