Increased Gun Sales Can Mean More Armed Encounters

Nov. 23, 2020
Open carry and concealed carry are more prevalent than ever. It is inevitable that there will be an increase in encounters with armed citizens. How we handle them is a big consideration.

First and foremost, I want to make this crystal clear -I am a pro 2nd amendment supporter. Yes, I am a Benefactor Life member of the National Rifle Association www.nra.org) and  member of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (www.nssf.org ). This is not a criticism on armed citizens but rather one where we must have  clear thinking and all tactical advantages in understanding of the newly armed citizens.  

Sales data from the firearms industry reveals that these past few months in quarantine has vastly increased gun sales to nearly all-time highs. The data suggests that we are seeing spikes in first-time gun ownership. These statements can be confirmed by your local gun shop where they have empty shelves, backorders and ammunition shortages. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has produced new tips and educational pieces for these new shooters to address this phenomenon. With gun ownership comes the weight of being a responsible gun owner, their educational programs are worthy of consideration for your department.

 Now whether or not the firearm sales link to the quarantine issue, doomsday prepper's, or even with safety concerns over the recent protests and riots, it does create valid and increased public safety concerns. There is more to these recent phenomena than  meets the eye. Whether you live in an open-carry state or a state with concealed carry permitting, there are several facts every law enforcement officer should understand. Number one, not all people who practice open-carry or concealed carry are your problem. The matter of fact, they are more often than not law enforcement supporters. More than likely, they will have your back in a dire situation. Yes, there is a small percentage of them (just as a small percentage of any vocation or any group) that may not ‘get it’ or are a fanatical element.  Years ago, there were some of this fringe open-carry members who were seemed to seek out police confrontations. Hopefully, we are past these true believers now, but one must be weary of those seeking confrontations for whatever their reasons. All of this being said, due to the shear increase in numbers, it is probable that more police encounters with armed citizens will occur. It is not uncommon for a 911 call due to someone observing a legal open-carry citizen in public. Just because it may be unsettling to them does not make it a law violation. There is no data to support this but this crusty old veteran officer’s prediction. Again, not all would be a threat to you, but we all must understand the applicable laws.

With the theory of increased citizens/businesses calls for services over somebody being armed, where do we start? First and foremost, every law enforcement agency and/or District Attorney’s Office owes it to their officers and deputies to perform research and equip every law enforcement officer with a handout (cheat sheet) on current firearms laws. Agencies must have roll-call training to ensure understanding on firearms laws and update them for they are forever changing. The District Attorney’s office should have an on-call prosecutor available for your questions.  If your state or county provides informational handouts/pamphlets for citizens, have some on hand for distribution. Often, the concealed weapon permitting office has these, ask for some from them.  What is important, make sure the current laws match the information that is being handed out.

It is incumbent upon officers to know and grasp the circumstances where they might have these armed encounters. Since firearms laws change constantly with new court rulings, review your policy and procedures manual, this may need to be updated as well. My goal here is that I do not want to see any officer or any citizen become engaged or ‘jammed up’ needlessly due to lack of information or training. If a situation has a bad outcome, bad press or tragic circumstances, we all will suffer. This also is a time for your community outreach to add firearms safety as a program or at least a pamphlet. With the advent of so many new gun owners, many of them do not understand the form and function of the instrument that they have purchased.

Officers should prepare and train for armed encounters. As I have often said, every time you meet a person it is an armed encounter. You have your sidearm on you, therefore practice firearm retention skills. It is your gun and your decision to keep it. Now, with more open carry you will have to shift your tactical training to encounter the new gun owner utilizing open carry and the subject of a 911 call. How do you engage them compared to a felony stop? De-escalation and tapping in on all of your skill sets is a start. One law enforcement group that comes to mind are our Brothers/Sisters who are game wardens or conservation officers. During hunting season, everyone they encounter is a gun owner and carrying to hunt. Not to forget, most outdoors advocates all carry knives to skin their game or clean that trout. Your game warden’s training unit will be an asset to reach out to.

Reciprocity

I recommend you review your state’s reciprocity agreement act. You should know your state’s requirements, but you should research the weapon permitting carry requirements in adjacent states. Many of you will be surprised to find out that some states only require an online class or a classroom only presentation. Very few states require actual hands-on competency with the firearm on the range. If you are near a state line, review your neighboring states for their laws.

Training

Despite the recommendation of firearms instructors and civilian trainers who all recommend range training, many citizens abandon this training and go forth. Therefore, my prediction will be with new untrained gun owners there will be a high probability of accidental or negligent discharges. There could be lack of security on firearms which could have tragic circumstances should there be children in the home. Also, the handgun left under the seat coupled with entering autos will increase illegal guns on the streets. Firearms safety and security is vastly overlooked. Tragically, should a new citizen gun owner actually have to engage an attacker, my question of their competency to place the projectiles on target comes to bear. All of this adds up to more police engagement with the new and untrained gun owner. After the smoke clears, did they have the legal standing to defend or engage? Proper training, that includes a curriculum of state and federal laws of engagement, safety, physical skills and practice may avert some tragedies. Encourage firearms safety and proper training when you can.  

I do not want to be the soothsayer of doom but a friendly reminder of things that may occur. It was once said that ‘an armed society is a polite society’ but in today’s litigious and media fueled society we need to rethink this. Train smart, prepare for the new situations that you could encounter and stay safe.

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