There seems to be a "trend" of sorts within the ranks of current CCW permitees and those who are "hopeful" of getting a CCW permit. I've seen numerous posts regarding "advanced" training and "liability" aspects. I've also seen numerous "hopefuls" that don't qualify for CCW permits, due to where they live.
Before I go any further, I need to explain that I was a full-time LEO for 31 years, and have been retired for almost 4 years. I can count the number of times that I had contact with LEGAL CCW permittees on one hand....since I worked for the "anti-gun/anti-CCW" LAPD!
I am NOT anti-gun, nor am I anti-CCW....and never have been! However, due to the political clime in SoCal, I was somewhat of a "rebel", for I often spoke of "Pro-gun" topics at community meetings.
I also held numerous one-on-one discussions with CCW permit "hopefuls", begrudgingly having to tell them the "facts of life". If they didn't have a rock-solid reason for a CCW permit, of if they weren't "somebody" (as in a "celebrity"), they could forget about being approved for a CCW permit.
I realize that it's totally different in the "shall issue" states. Unfortunately, I don't believe that California will EVER become a "shall issue" state.
So, in being a Pro-CCW for citizens type of person, I steered countless "hopefuls" toward becoming reserve LEO's. Upon completion of the reserve LEO training, they would (A) have their CCW permit, but in the way of a reserve LEO I.D. card, (B) receive invaluable training in firearms, law, general police work, tactical training, etc., (C) be ISSUED a firearm, uniform, badge, I.D. card, and (D) be performing a service to their community on a part-time basis. I guess that I should throw in (E) they'd work with full-time officers, and maybe find out that the MAJORITY of todays LEO's are honest, hard-working and dedicated to "protecting and serving" the public, and (F) there ARE certain benefits available, such as "police prices" on firearm-related goods.
If a "mere" CCW permitee is involved in a shooting, how do you identify yourself as a "good guy" when the police arrive and see YOU holding a gun? As a reserve LEO, you wouldn't be stretching the truth by yelling "Police Officer"....AND you would have your reserve police badge and I.D. card to verify that fact!
As a reserve LEO, you would be able to receive "advanced" training right along with the full-time officers. There have been COUNTLESS advances in firearms training through the years, so by being a reserve officer, you would benefit from those continual "advanced" training sessions.
Lastly, I have worked with hundreds of reserve police officers over the years. They came from all walks of life. The majority of them wanted to do "something" for their community. Many of them, after having been reserves for awhile, decided to make it a full-time career. One of the reserves that I worked with back in the 1970's eventually went full-time, and is getting ready to retire as a Captain! He told me that he "owed" me a lot for having talked him into at least thinking about becoming a full-time officer.
Think about what I have said, and what you want out of life. If it's just to have a CCW permit for personal reasons, that's fine. On the other hand, do some more thinking about doing a service for your community while having the honor of being a reserve LEO!
Before I go any further, I need to explain that I was a full-time LEO for 31 years, and have been retired for almost 4 years. I can count the number of times that I had contact with LEGAL CCW permittees on one hand....since I worked for the "anti-gun/anti-CCW" LAPD!
I am NOT anti-gun, nor am I anti-CCW....and never have been! However, due to the political clime in SoCal, I was somewhat of a "rebel", for I often spoke of "Pro-gun" topics at community meetings.
I also held numerous one-on-one discussions with CCW permit "hopefuls", begrudgingly having to tell them the "facts of life". If they didn't have a rock-solid reason for a CCW permit, of if they weren't "somebody" (as in a "celebrity"), they could forget about being approved for a CCW permit.
I realize that it's totally different in the "shall issue" states. Unfortunately, I don't believe that California will EVER become a "shall issue" state.
So, in being a Pro-CCW for citizens type of person, I steered countless "hopefuls" toward becoming reserve LEO's. Upon completion of the reserve LEO training, they would (A) have their CCW permit, but in the way of a reserve LEO I.D. card, (B) receive invaluable training in firearms, law, general police work, tactical training, etc., (C) be ISSUED a firearm, uniform, badge, I.D. card, and (D) be performing a service to their community on a part-time basis. I guess that I should throw in (E) they'd work with full-time officers, and maybe find out that the MAJORITY of todays LEO's are honest, hard-working and dedicated to "protecting and serving" the public, and (F) there ARE certain benefits available, such as "police prices" on firearm-related goods.
If a "mere" CCW permitee is involved in a shooting, how do you identify yourself as a "good guy" when the police arrive and see YOU holding a gun? As a reserve LEO, you wouldn't be stretching the truth by yelling "Police Officer"....AND you would have your reserve police badge and I.D. card to verify that fact!
As a reserve LEO, you would be able to receive "advanced" training right along with the full-time officers. There have been COUNTLESS advances in firearms training through the years, so by being a reserve officer, you would benefit from those continual "advanced" training sessions.
Lastly, I have worked with hundreds of reserve police officers over the years. They came from all walks of life. The majority of them wanted to do "something" for their community. Many of them, after having been reserves for awhile, decided to make it a full-time career. One of the reserves that I worked with back in the 1970's eventually went full-time, and is getting ready to retire as a Captain! He told me that he "owed" me a lot for having talked him into at least thinking about becoming a full-time officer.
Think about what I have said, and what you want out of life. If it's just to have a CCW permit for personal reasons, that's fine. On the other hand, do some more thinking about doing a service for your community while having the honor of being a reserve LEO!