So lately I've had a lot of people making assumptions that LEO's like us are going to come and "take" their guns. I know I wouldn't be taking people's guns. What would you do in this situation? (From one cop to another, let's dig deep into our hearts and have a good discussion on this very sensitive topic.) But really what you do in this situation? And, of course, please explain.
When the Nazis took over LEO's in Germany and the conquered countries participated in rounding up "undesirables". Are there enough Coppers with your attitude to say NO?
had this discussion with one of the captains years ago - he pointed out that just about all of them say they would never be involved in a gun roundup situation but that it would be pretty easy to convince yourself to go along when it came down to it. Lets face it - if you refuse they know you have guns and you become a prime target and from your personnel file know where you live. Also if you went along you would be armed at least (well in the short term until they decided to take yours). Many people don't have much in the way of long term food supplies or enough money to cover their bills for even a few months should they loose their jobs - especially if they have a family - more important when it comes down to it to keep food on the table for most. He also pointed out that the cops who say flat out that they would go do the door to door thing and round em up are the same guys that shouldn't wear a badge. Oh - an example of the gun roundup exists here in the US not so long ago - look at all the guns that were taken during Katrina - most of which will never be returned and those that are were mostly piles of rust. Now me personally - if I were on the job and told to go door to door and round up guns I think I would have the blue flu. Better to risk being fired than to be shot by someone willing to fight for their rights.
Being in the Military(National Guard), I am faced with this same issue. If Martial law was declared, how would I react? well, I'll be...nobody on my route had any guns, funny, how did that happen?!?! They can have my guns when they pry them from my cold dead hands!
Interesting hypothetical. Shouldn't the answer be quite short: no way as a police officer that you are going to do something so blantantly un-Constitutional?
Most cops/soldiers would go along, working for the state saps the morality out of people. For example, no hypothetical for these pigs in the NYPD, look at them pepper spraying a bunch of helpless women: PEACEFUL FEMALE PROTESTORS PENNED IN THE STREET AND MACED Or these Miami cops shooting a guy in the face with a rubber bullet then laughing about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G63FEamhpA0 I'm sure when the feds tell them to round up people to the camps they'd comply with a smile.
People working for the government by and large have very few qualms about carrying out its orders, whatever they may be. We can always do what these soccer fans did however: Guards that Beat Fan are then Beaten by More Fans - YouTube
All I have for you to take is this old beat up .22, you can gladly take it though, beings as the goverment said so. Thanks!
In several of the Western States I would think most LEO's would not comply, and most agencies would not comply with that order given from the higher ups. Back east, and on the west coast I can see it more, esp. in California. I can with confidence say that I would not be one to do so. I am of the "pry it from my cold dead hands" mindset. I think that Swedish K brings up a good point in that I need a job to support my family. And sandman1212 has a great answer for allowing me to keep my job, "Being in the Military(National Guard), I am faced with this same issue. If Martial law was declared, how would I react? well, I'll be...nobody on my route had any guns, funny, how did that happen?!?!" The problem then becomes if I am assigned a dillweed partner who is unwilling to go along with that story. I guess we'll never know what we'd do until that time comes and the scenario is presented to us. Some really good points and some obvious rabbit punches at LEO's (to be expected).
All I can say to y'all who are LEO's When the wood carver BS happened,a lot of people said "they are just like US and want to GO HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES" If this is true,then you will really need to tell your fellow LEOs that the best way to GO HOME SAFE is to not participate in rounding up guns. You know how LEOs say they rather go into a gun fight than a domestic violence call? Well I believe this would be the best of both those worlds. I just think too many are brain washed that they are above the rest of us.Many aren't,but I don't think that is the norm. Oh and yeah,King and Pierce Counties,and the cities within wouldn't hesitate
I would like to believe that LOEs would do the right thing but experience has showed time and time again that they haven't. Perfect example is Katrina. Among countless other things...... Fit me into the cold-dead-hands category.
I am a squad leader and I get briefed from the command, then brief my troops. If I mix up my signals, well that sometimes happens in a high stress situations. 90% of my unit are firearms owners including the Commander and 1SG and the PL's, most of us are of the same mindset. I can guarantee I am not the only one. If I get one of the "dillweed partners" well, sadly, sometimes bad things happen to good people that go against the grain.
I was in New Orleans 4 days after Katrina, and up to 2 weeks after Rita. I can guarantee none of my guys were confiscating weapons. I was a logistics liason with FEMA with the TF Ponchetrain (4500 guardsmen), it may have been done by local law enforcement before we arrived on scene, but not when we escorted them. I know for a fact because I sat in on the daily briefs to the commanding general. There was no mention at any time of confiscating weapons.
Ya know it might be better if the dillweed partner sat in the car and observed to call in for backup in case of resistance... while he's in the car ya could just say - I'm sorry folks but I have to ask if you have any firearms so I can unconstitutionally confiscate them - if you sold them last week I'd completely understand that... but if you have any that don't work it sure would look good for me to bring in a few items as proof of compliance...
Cops support their families with their jobs and aren't likely to risk them. When the chips are down they will do what they are told. Could be a big mistake though.
"cold dead hands" sounds good however, when the time comes and you are faced with the choice of surrendering your firearms or ending the life of someone who is sworn to put their life at risk to protect you and your family I would think a few pre-written "Bills of Sale" could be a much better option. That way you are in the clear and the Officer who who might end up in prison for refusing to collect has something to take to the boss. Just an Idea.
I believe that if a time ever came when PO/NG were ordered to go door to door and confiscate guns, their orders would be to search your place.
"According to these Bills of Sale, you sold a 1911 to Jacques Strap, a shotgun to Ima Weiner, an AR to Hugh Jan Us, a Glock to Mike Rotch, and a .50 bmg to Heywood Jablowme? Well, everything seems in order here." Using fake names would probably be a really bad idea.