Seismic Sam wrote:Actually, there is one thing that I DON'T see discussed that might apply in your case, and that is WHEN and HOW would the rules that govern you as a LEO pre-empt how we must behave as private citizens. As a matter of fact, if you are employed as a full time LEO in this state, I'm not sure when or even IF having a carry permit would apply.
For instance, you see a robbery in a liquor store going down. You have to respond while you are in uniform, and possibly off duty. We CANNOT respond to incidents like this. And on the subject of off duty carry, it is my impression that LEO's off the clock are never really COMPLETELY off the clock, and are at least required to have a backup weapon on them at all times. If that's the case, then the laws that govern your behavior as a LEO may take precedence over the MPPA.
Not sure on all this. so somebody who knows more please jump in.
Department policy would override what you are legally able to do by law with a permit to carry. As an example most (almost all) departments state that per policy weapons must be concealed when carrying off duty, which as you know is not a requirement under the MPPA.
But in his case, he does not have a cop job... So that does not apply, yet. If and when he does get a cop job, I doubt he'll care much either way about the permit. Once he has it, I guess I see no reason not to renew it... If nothing else it makes it more convenient for purchases and such.
As far as being off duty... It's all dependent on circumstances... You are required to render aid, but if you are with your two young kids at the grocery store, their is no expectation that you would exchange gunfire with a suspect of an armed robbery, with your kids at your side.
There is no State requirement to carry off duty... In fact I think you will find that the majority of cops do not carry off duty. As far as backup weapons are concerned... It's becoming more and more rare for cops as a whole (statewide) to carry a backup gun on duty, let alone off duty.
Hope this answers some of your questions...