Careers: Police/CCW

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Expert: - 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,

    The last thing on earth that I would give advice about would be carrying a weapon.  First of all I don't know the laws in your state and the law seems to be different in every state in the country.  And if I did give you advice about carrying a weapon and it turned out bad then I might be liable for any damages so I can't do that.  My advice is for you to go to simply make an appointment with an officer at your local police department and get his/her advice about what is legal and practical to do in your city.

Careers: Police

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Jack Toomey

Expertise

U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.

Experience

Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.

Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.

Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.

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