I need help staying safe in MD

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JLStorm

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I will be working in a real bad area right outside of DC in MD for about 3 weeks. Last time I was there I was told not to stop at any lights or to talk to anyone, just to proceed to the site which is locked and gated. The guy I was working with who was an employee there begged me to ride with him because he didnt want to go alone. As I pulled into the site I saw a police helicopter with the spotlight shining down not far from our block...which did not help my confidence! I generally work 1 am to 6 am, so I am out with the worst of the worst and our company is not exactly popular around that area. I didnt think about what weapons I could and couldnt bring into MD last time I went to this site, because I figured they were just over reacting and exaggerating how bad the area was, but I was wrong, they were not exaggerating at all.

I have can carry a firearm in many states but MD is not one of them, but what CAN I carry in MD?? I have a III-A vest with a blunt trauma pad that I wear for my side job which is personal protection, and I was thinking about bringing it along with me, although it is going to be weird not being armed while wearing it! I was thinking of tasers, OC, etc. Obviously nothing is going to be as good as a firearm, but not much I can do about that.

Any ideas?
 
I guess it depends on your level of fitness, training, and comfort. A nice walking stick/cane might come in handy. Ditto for an extra large Mag-Light. A sharp folding knife might be useful.
 
I have a number of years of experience in martial arts and weapons, but I really prefer something that will give me a few seconds to run away, I do not want to get into a fight, as I am sure it will turn into more than just one on one. Thats why I was thinking OC or a taser, but I am not sure if those are legal either. My vest will help with guns, but if someone has a baseball bat or tire iron, Im screwed...not to mention that the vest will slow me down..even at 4 pounds.
 
Have you considered one of the pepper sprays on the market? Short of a pistol ,a Louisville slugger and spray is probably your best bet.

And don't forget to stay alert!
 
Yes I have considered it, but I am not sure if I can legally carry it in MD, that is why I asked. OC spray, the foams, etc, tasers, I can get them all...I just dont know what I am allowed to carry under MD law.
 
Could you apply for a permit

Citing your side job as a reason for needing it?
 
JLStorm. PM me with details of where you are going to be and I'll give you some boot on the ground information about the do's and don'ts.

As far as legal to cary.

OC is good to go, any folding knife is fine (no blade length laws), expandable batons are questionable, but I carry one any how.

Black jacks and saps are a no no. Fixed blade knifes have to be open carried.

As for firearms. Do what you think is right... It is winter right now.
 
PG County? You must be in a worse place than where I work. I have to go into a school there everyday...now THAT'S scary.:p
 
if its that bad

and its only a few weeks
might wanna consider parking somewhere safe and use a cab for to and from the site split it with coworker and it might not be too bad. i grew up in pg sorta there are some other trcks but not really high road material pm for them
one thing not illegal is a small airhorn
 
Could you apply for a permit

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Citing your side job as a reason for needing it?
Click to expand...

Keyword here is "Maryland"
 
I used to visit Maryland in the Baltimore area and I carried while there. Then I read the laws. I haven't been back and won't be back until those laws are changed.

My advice is to find a site in another state to work at. That place is behind enemy lines.

I'm not slamming Maryland. I enjoyed my visits and will return in a jiffy when I can do so and be legally armed. But my life is more important to me than the state's laws and therefore I choose to be somewhere else. I stay safe in Maryland by not going there.
 
So.... you're driving to/from a "secure" site (e.g. parking area is behind a gate/guard, yes?) during a time when the DC metro-area traffic is fairly light, and you're worried about your safety while in transit? If so, your vehicle is your best weapon. Keep the doors locked and an eye out for anyone trying to approach, and don't be afraid to put the hammer down and bolt if you have to get away. Don't leave the site on foot.
 
The only laws that apply here are the Second Amendment and the natural law that says you have an inherent right to defend yourself with the best means available against assault.

Your life is worth a lot. The opinions of MD politicans, police, and even the majority of MD voters that your life isn't important enough to warrant protection with a handgun are not worth crap.

I think you know where this is going. As the cliche goes, it's better to be judged by 12...
 
ForeverArmed,

I agree with you in principle. In practice, however, the state of Maryland will lock you up with unsavory types who might expand your range of experiences.

I choose not to give Maryland the opportunity to visit such outrages upon my person. Therefore, I choose to forgo the pleasures of Maryland and keep my butt out of their jurisdiction.
 
however, the state of Maryland will lock you up with unsavory types who might expand your range of experiences.
Click to expand...

Expanding your range of experiences is as euphemistic a way of phrasing that as I could think of :D
 
ForeverArmed wrote:

The only laws that apply here are the Second Amendment and the natural law that says you have an inherent right to defend yourself with the best means available against assault.

Your life is worth a lot. The opinions of MD politicans, police, and even the majority of MD voters that your life isn't important enough to warrant protection with a handgun are not worth crap.

I think you know where this is going. As the cliche goes, it's better to be judged by 12...
Click to expand...

Hmmmmmmmmm. I take it you don't live in Maryland?

JLStorm,

I drive through PG County every day. (Thank goodness I don't live there, anymore!)
Most important things to remember:
1. NEVER have eye-to-eye contact with another driver. The lunatic drivers in Maryland (I can say it. I've lived in MD since 1967, and grew up in PG County!) will consider eye contact to be a threat.
2. Walk as if you own the world. Self-assuredness or confidence is a plus. It shows strength.
3. Mind your own business. Go about your way and don't worry about or be concerned about who is getting robbed, raped, murdered.:uhoh:
4. IF you get into a confrontation. . . . act CRAZY. If you are approached, lash out as if you could kick everyone's arse. (You might have to!)


I'm not certain if OC spray or tasers are legal, in our fine state.
It is my belief that folding (pocket) knives have a max. legal length of less than 4" to be worn/carried in the pocket. A folder like the Buck Folding Hunter must be worn on the belt, from what I understand.
Wearing or carrying a fixed blade knife in Maryland will get you noticed REAL quick, and that would bring the poh-leese down on you.

Thanks for reading.
 
drive through PG County every day. (Thank goodness I don't live there, anymore!)
Most important things to remember:
1. NEVER have eye-to-eye contact with another driver. The lunatic drivers in Maryland (I can say it. I've lived in MD since 1967, and grew up in PG County!) will consider eye contact to be a threat.
2. Walk as if you own the world. Self-assuredness or confidence is a plus. It shows strength.
3. Mind your own business. Go about your way and don't worry about or be concerned about who is getting robbed, raped, murdered.
4. IF you get into a confrontation. . . . act CRAZY. If you are approached, lash out as if you could kick everyone's arse. (You might have to!)
Click to expand...

Do you teach in the school system too? You just described my building. :p
 
Do you teach in the school system too? You just described my building.
Click to expand...

No. Worse. I drive into Washington, DC, every day.:eek:
Right through SE (South East) and NE (North East), into NW (North West).
Right into the 'armpit' of the city.
 
The single most effective thing you can do to increase your safety is to call
the Mayflower moving van and get the heck out of there. Barring that you
appear to be playing the "craps game of destiny".
 
No fixed blade knives unless you are hunting. Folders are mostly OK, "penknives" are legal, all others are not. However, it seems that most folders are considered penknives under MD law (well, under the interpretations of MD law given after it went in front of a judge), but no "switchblades" or "gravity knives". Intent matters- so if questioned by a cop you carry a knife because it is a tool (not a self defense weapon) and you never know when you may need to cut some string or cut open a box.

Pepper spray and mace are legal.

Tasers, it depends. It appears that they are legal in MD, but many localities (Howard County, Annapolis, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County) ban them. This information comes from Taser's website so I don't know how accurate it is. Assuming it is accurate it doesn't seem to affect you unless you will be passing through one of these jurisdictions.

I think a ballistic vest is legal, but I'm not 100% sure.
 
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