Hmmm, since the OP brought up the Wisconsin tragedy, I do wonder about the whole age thing, since this kid was 20 yo, and most states, and AFAIK it's a federal thing right, where you can't own, or possess a handgun until 21?
I'm sure a lot of young bucks would say they are responsible and can handle it at 20 just as well as 21, and some would say you can join the military and have guns at 18 etc.
I'm just pointing out there are some mixed messages here. As for the military, yes you can join as do as they say, and they do have some restrictions on what you carry and where, when off duty, no matter the age, but I can't help but think some of the military's restrictions on when and where you can have firearms on base for example may stem from their concern for the predominently younger recruits running around, don't you think?
For me, a law enforcement officer interacting w/ the public here in the US on a day-to-day could be considered a different role w/ different concerns than a military personnel w/ typically more of a restricted environment, only sent into do a job involving force when necessary.
I'm not saying that I know what's right or wrong, or implying this is a black-and-white / crystal clear issue, I'm just saying it makes me think. I wonder how old you have to be in WI, or most locals, to join the local PD or Sheriff's office and legally be allowed to carry in public? I guess I always assumed it would be 21 to have a gun toting job, but I guess not.
So with that said, that I do have questions about when you get to be a cop toting a gun out there, I would have to say that I then question the ability of any other citizen being able to get a handgun legally, and/or carry it. Like if they can do it at 20, why can't we? But on either count, I think some thought should go into the age and other procedure requirements for younger folks to carry.
Generally, I'm of the opinion that LEOs should obviously be able to carry off duty, as they're never really off duty, at least we don't want them to be, since we rely on them to protect and serve if they see a need.
However, I believe legal adult citizens should also be allowed to carry in just as many places, at any time as well, to at least protect ourselves, if we're not happening to be standing next to an LEO when the SHTF. Like in NC or SC, you can't carry to pick up your kid at school, or go to a restaurant w/ your family if the establishment happens to sell alcohol for consumption on premises.
Just this past week, a disgruntled employee came back to a restaurant nearby in Charlotte, and gunned down two former co-workers/bosses, after recently losing his job. He pointed the gun at other customers, but as far as I know, noone else was hit. Fortunatlely, a nearby Sheriff leading a funeral procession was flagged down by someone in a neighboring business, and other 1st responders were also quick on the scene, and the guy was taken into custody before anyone else was hurt. But I'm sure you can imagine, this could have been far worse. It irritates me that a law abiding citizen w/ a legal permit could not carry there legally, since they served beer, but any nut job can surely walk in planning to commit murder, since we all know the sign doesn't stop a criminal.
http://www.charlotte.com/local/story/307673.html There's the link to one of the stories about the incident.
I don't know, I think if I was an owner or manager of any business dealing w/ the public and sketchy employees, especially after having to have one of said employees escorted out by police when he was fired, I would likely carry to work. In NC, the owner or permission of the owner, will let a legal CWP holder carry on premises, despite the alcohol sales, but not the customers.
My condolences to the families of the victims of both of these tragedies. To the OP, I believe people should have rights similar to LEOs, and have less restrictions, LEOs certainly should have right to carry off duty, but I do wonder about the qualification process and age requirements to become an LEO, not saying I have a definite opinion on that one yet, but just thinking out loud...
Karz
