Purses/handbags are issues unto themselves!

[plblark]

I received the following from an e-mail list I subscribe to and got permission from John Farnam to re post it:

1 Oct 10

This sage advice to women, from a female LEO and instructor, with many years of practical experience:

"Purses/handbags are issues unto themselves!

I am a woman, and I do not carry a purse. I did as a young girl, but even shoulder-bags were a hassle. I always carry a wallet. My keys and cell phone are carried the way most men carry them, on my person. My gun, in the 'appendix position,' is also carried on my person.

When in school, I carried a backpack like everyone else, but essential items stayed where they always have been, on my person.

I worked in our courthouse at one time, and had to search handbags prior to their entering the courtroom. I was astonished at the list of items most women routinely carry in purses! Purses have become a 'black hole' for things rarely needed, but that women think might come in handy some day.

As our department's training officer, I daily observe female officers who deposit purses in lockers while on duty. I always ask them how 'critical' purses can possibly be when they are thus inaccessible through the entire duration of a twelve-hour shift.

Most answer that it is a 'clothing issue.' Off-duty they want to appear ' stylish' and thus wear skin-tight pants and tops, with just enough room to accommodate a fanny two sizes smaller, an arrangement which obviously does not lend itself to the concealed carrying of essential items!

It is a case of priorities. You're 'one of us,' or you're not. Concealment is an attitude! For one, I will not wear clothing with no room for wallet, pistol, keys, blade, and cell phone.

In the interest of personal safety, it is time for women, at least LEOs, to free themselves from the purse-carrying habit!"

Comment: There are few subjects upon which I would rather comment less than women's fashion!

It is, of course, impossible to completely, even adequately, accommodate all priorities when presenting oneself in public. We live in many parallel universes, and I fully realize that not everyone is as boring, nor "plain-vanilla," as I am!

With that said, when the Test comes, we'll likely be on our own, with no opportunity to "get ready." Under those circumstances, "stylishness" will appear insignificant, dare I say, even facetious!

/John

[Pezhead]

It's amazing how much some women carry. Of course if they have kids that's a whole nother story of items they end up carrying. Although some men tend to carry some type of bag.

[Tickledpink]

Thanks for this Mallcop, this was actually informative. Kind of rarity around these parts sometimes. This is something that I have been contemplating for awhile. Carry in my purse or carry on my body? Most every thing I have heard is against carrying in the purse.

And Pezhead...you're totally right. I carry more crap in my purse then I know what to what to do with. The bigger the purse the more crap.

[selurcspi]

Thanks for this Mallcop, this was actually informative. Kind of rarity around these parts sometimes. This is something that I have been contemplating for awhile. Carry in my purse or carry on my body? Most every thing I have heard is against carrying in the purse.

And Pezhead...you're totally right. I carry more crap in my purse then I know what to what to do with. The bigger the purse the more crap.

Wait until you start loading up your competition bag....That's why I went to a box on wheels and Strad followed my lead.

[Tickledpink]

Thanks for this Mallcop, this was actually informative. Kind of rarity around these parts sometimes. This is something that I have been contemplating for awhile. Carry in my purse or carry on my body? Most every thing I have heard is against carrying in the purse.

And Pezhead...you're totally right. I carry more crap in my purse then I know what to what to do with. The bigger the purse the more crap.

Wait until you start loading up your competition bag....That's why I went to a box on wheels and Strad followed my lead.

Do competition bags come in pink with Hello Kitty on the side?? I might need two boxes, one for the gun stuff and one more for all the crap I think I need but will never use. I have to make sure I save enough room for all of Strad's stuff that he doesn't have room for.

[1911fan]

My wife has purse carried for years. She has a few that are designed for carry, with separate compartments designed to only hold the handgun. She tends to manage her purse contents very well, and does not have the megamall contents in hers. (but then our kids are older now as well, some of the need for carrying everything is reduced.) She likes purse carry and when walking to the car or the like, the purse is on her shoulder and her hand is in the compartment holding the gun. She has a locking drawer at work, and never leaves it in the shopping cart at the store either. If she goes to a restuarant its either on her table, on the floor between her feet, or hooked on her knee. (thats a girl thing).