Question from another planet - backup gun?

[Andy-GER]

Hello out there,

let me ask you a question. I know that most of you have a second gun on duty, just in case. And i know that much more of your citizens are armed than over here in Germany. We have a very restrictive gun law, so Fritz Doe is usually not armed with a gun.

I´d like to know how often did you really need your backup gun?

I have no idea about the situation in the US, and would like to expand my knowledge beyond hollywood

- Andy

[M-11]

I do not carry a backup gun. It is not my choice, my agency dictates the rules.

It's not a question of "How Often" you need it. It's havein it if the time comes that it is needed.

Most people have two Car keys, and see it as good judgement to do so.

Getting locked out of your car will usually not end in death, so I think the logic applies that it is good judgement to carry a backup.

If you have a spare car key as well...

M-11

[LA DEP]

Out of 35-50 OIS a year on my agency, we usually get 1-2 a year when the BUG gets used.....usually when someone makes the fatal error of attempting a disarm on one of us......

[Andy-GER]

Out of 35-50 OIS a year on my agency, we usually get 1-2 a year when the BUG gets used.....usually when someone makes the fatal error of attempting a disarm on one of us......

Thank you for the numbers.
Our departement had about 4 OIS in five years. Oh yes, that makes a difference.

It's not a question of "How Often" you need it. It's havein it if the time comes that it is needed.

Thats the question i was worrying about.

I would see a need if we would have one-man-patrols. We usually prowl around as a team, so i can see my partner as my backup.

And with our low numbers of shootings, i think i´m ok with our situation.
(The funny thing is, i´m one of the few to have a second gun issued. Not as a BUG, but for surveillance, a tiny .38. I still use either the one or the other.)


Thanks for your answers

- Andy

[1042 Trooper]

I do not carry a backup gun. It is not my choice, my agency dictates the rules.

M-11

I remember you mentioned this once before - I STILL CANNOT FRIGGIN BELIEVE IT! What a moronic policy.

Its just like prohibiting you from buying life insurance or wearing a vest.

Unreal.

[Frank Booth]

I don't carry one.

[SammyCal1]

Back up guns have saved the lives of officers that had one and needed it. Back up guns have never interfered with an officer's duties that have one and never need it. Who does it hurt by having a back up gun?

When I wrote our policy, I left it to the discretion of the individual officer to carry a back up gun. The officer must qualify with it just like a regular duty weapon.

Sammy

[j706]

A BUG is like armor, I will never mark on duty without it. If my agency came out and said no more BUGS, I would leave. Totally nonsense IMO. What are they concerned with?

[DH30]

I carry one. Who knows if, when, or how often I might need it, but the day that I do will make strapping it on worth while.

[jakflak]

I´d like to know how often did you really need your backup gun?

Well, let me put it this way: the last time you drove on the autobahn did you wear a seatbelt? If so, did you get in an accident?

It's better to have a gun you don't need than need a gun you don't have.

[JSOCOP]

Or wish you had brought.... Right on Jak. Anytime I go away from the house I carry.... Jak, my wife and I are thinking about going to Nome. How is it there?

[floridacop]

andy my man!

i carry my duty glock 22 and a glock 27 at all times on duty! 90% of the time i also throw in my pocket the ruger lcp! all thats holding me back from somehow attaching a sw 642 .38 is the "tackelberry" label!

2 is 1, 1 is none

[pulicords]

I always carried a backup gun, for the same reason I always carried two handcuff keys, two pens, two magazines and had a spare tire in every vehicle I drove. Actually, I had another reason too: I might need it to stay alive!

[bigcitypolice06]

I always carried a backup gun, for the same reason I always carried two handcuff keys, two pens, two magazines and had a spare tire in every vehicle I drove. Actually, I had another reason too: I might need it to stay alive!

+1 Although I go one step further and carry 3 magazines.

[jakflak]

Or wish you had brought.... Right on Jak. Anytime I go away from the house I carry.... Jak, my wife and I are thinking about going to Nome. How is it there?

Cold. Honestly, I've never been to Nome myself. If you wait until next Spring you can see the finish of the Ididtarod.