Could/should a CCW help a Police Officer?

[ClearSightTactical]

Hey guys, I'm a member of another forum and this is a very hot topic lol.

I'm going to post the exact question posted on the other forum and see what the responses here are like..

You are in a bank parking lot and suddenly a police cruiser rolls up and the officer gets out. all of a sudden,4 armed individuals leave the bank and start firing at the officer. Its 4 against 1 in favor of the bad guys. You are in a good spot to engage the bad guys.

Do you pull your firearm and assist the officer in the shootout?You don't see any other police officers or hear any sirens.

Or take cover and mind your own business?

[wjh2657]

Bad scenario. If you do start firing the police officer is most likely to assume you are one of the Bad Guys and that he is fighting five BGs instead of four. Any arriving backup is also make the same assumption. Although my first thought is to help the officer (I am a former LEO and retired Marine), I think a call on 911 is first and let them know I am in area.

If officer goes down and the BGs start for him, I would probably engage but I still would most likely get shot by any arriving backup. People, even trained ones, are not in a real logical mode in a case like this and the arriving LEOs are likely to consider anybody not in blue as being a possible BG ( actually a very good survival mode!) A gun in your hand would probably clinch it for them that you are a legitimate target.

A real good opportunity here to make the 5 o'clock news as a dead hero!

[PascalFleischman]

Tough call. Normally, I'd say "HELL YEAH!", but with having brought up the "you might be seen as a bad guy" scenario, I might second-guess myself.

[Jim_Macklin]

Take cover, #1
#2, shout to officer, "Want my help!"
answer yourself... "Right, I'll do that!"

At least in Kansas a private citizen is required by law to assist a LEO who asks for that help and the citizen has the full and same legal protection if they do what the officer says.
[Of course, if the officer wants you to delay a purse snatcher and shouts "Stop that man." and you shoot them you're on your own."]

2-2407. Assisting law enforcement officer. (1) A law enforcement officer making an arrest may command the assistance of any person who may be in the vicinity. (2) A person commanded to assist a law enforcement officer shall have the same authority to arrest as the officer who commands his assistance.
(3) A person commanded to assist a law enforcement officer in making an arrest shall not be civilly or criminally liable for any reasonable conduct in aid of the officer or any acts expressly directed by the officer.
History: L. 1970, ch. 129, § 22-2407; July 1.

". You are in a good spot to engage the bad guys."
If you can see and shoot at them, they can see and shoot at you too.

If the officer is alone and out-numbered 4 to 1, he'll be ducking for cover anyway if he is smart. Body armor notwithstanding.

[SquirrelSlayer]

that is a reall good thought.

My first thought was to instanly think about hellping the long arm, but after reading the bad guy scenario I would have refrain from my initial reaction....


of coarse you could always put on your NYPD hat and start firing gangsta style

[ClearSightTactical]

I think I'd get close to him (as possible) and yell "PLEASE DON'T CAP ME IN THE A**, I SWEAR I'M A GOOD GUY" lmao jk

I'd probably try to communicate with him to some extent, perhaps taking cover to his front/left or right so he can clearly see me aiming in the OPPOSITE direction of him....

I'm sure i'm going to get flamed for this but in this one rare instance one of those damn awful CCW badges might actually be somewhat useful....

[ricbak]

First thought, Make sure the Wiphe and Grand Kids are safe. Call 911 and watch what unfolds. Be ready to aid the LEO If required, or defend My family as required. If I was alone, Call 911 and make sure that the LEO is covered. Mind my own business... No way, can't turn my back on the LEO.

[sargespd]

I can't imagine that I would be able to stop myself from joining the fray. Of course, for 23 years I would have been carrying a badge along with my off duty weapon. One thing I have given serious thought to in recent months is the value of the "bluetooth" earpiece I have for my cell phone. If I have this on and active, I could be in hands free constant contact with 911 operators, while engaging the bad guys. This would allow me to advise the dispatcher my position, description, etc, for relay to responding officers. Almost as good as having my old Motorola at my side.

[ClearSightTactical]

Originally Posted by sargespd

I can't imagine that I would be able to stop myself from joining the fray. Of course, for 23 years I would have been carrying a badge along with my off duty weapon. One thing I have given serious thought to in recent months is the value of the "bluetooth" earpiece I have for my cell phone. If I have this on and active, I could be in hands free constant contact with 911 operators, while engaging the bad guys. This would allow me to advise the dispatcher my position, description, etc, for relay to responding officers. Almost as good as having my old Motorola at my side.

ME TOO! lol I have a bluetooth and its uncomfortable if worn for a long period of time, but the advantages of having it on and having 9-1-1 on speed dial are limitless.

It allows you to focus on the threat- IE:

You're in a position to where you actually saw the BG coming and have him at gunpoint. You have 9-1-1 on your ear so you're able to contact LEO for help, not take your eyes off the target, and have a recorded record of what's happening. Truly a great idea, but like anything else if you don't have it on its not gonna help you when you need it, and thats the part I need to work on...

[festus]

Don't come to a party you were not invited to.

1. When you divert the cops attention you are helping thuglies 1-4

2. If you act and it is only a training scenario you are screwed

3. If you get involved with out the proper training the cop is going to be more worried about you and your health than the BG's

4. If the cop says, "Help me"...agree...do what he asks, inform him you are armed and wait for instructions.
(the reason Marines are so effective in combat is the fact that they do what they are told and they trust their leadership...today is a good day to be a Marine)

5. by all means give aid to any wounded and escort bystanders to safety get the crowd out of the area...the biggest help you can give an LEO is not getting in his/her way.