What do YOU carry off-duty? Gun, knife, etc

[CopInNY]

I carry Glock 19, and a truly nasty Spyderco. I feel sorry for the person that gets sliced and diced with this thing. it's got a 4 inch blade, titanium, and stainless steel handle, and the blad curves around towards the palm sid of the handle in the shape of a moon.

Once in awhile, i'll carry my baton. SO that leaves me with the question...what do YOU carry off duty for protection?

Jay

[Sparky]

.38 snubby in case giving them the evil eye doesn't work.

[207]

Normally, around my hometown I don't carry anything at all. But then I don't wear anything that could possibly ID me as a LEO.. Just your basic street urchin apparel... old jeans, sweatshirt, etc.
Plus, when I'm working on a vehicle or one of my motorcycles those objects tend to get in the way. (right Mike?)

If I am going to another part of the State I'm not familiar with or is known for problems... Glock 17 in a Fobus holster and 3 Hi-cap mags, cuffs, and a Benchmade.

[SGT Dave]

ALWAYS-

*Sig P239 w/ night sights
*2 mags Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P
*Emerson Specwar Black Ti
*Badge/ID

MOST OF THE TIME-

*OC (5.5%)
*American Handcuff Aluminum Cuffs
*UK 6 V Lithium (I'd prefer a Surefire, but this was $20 at a local wholesaler, whereas Surefire would be $75 or more.)


"McGuyver Bag"-Always in vehicle

*First Aid Kit
*Victorinox Swisschamp w/ SOS kit
*Maglite (Rechargeable)
*"Attitude" LED light
*Cell phone
*Spare Change for payphones
*Spare batteries for flashlights
*Spare keys
*New Testament Bible
*First Aid Kit
*2 Flex Cuffs

*

[Sgt. DG644]

Normally my Glock 27 and always my Spyderco.

[That Guy]

When I am off and are riding in my POV doing things, then I carry my Glock 30 with an extra full size HICAP mag with one set of cuffs and my ID(badge,ID card) in my fanny pack or a wrap around inside concealment pack.
If I am rolling in my home car doing things, then I pack my Glock 21(duty) with both mags with the same set up but with my vest on the seat or in the trunk.

That Guy

[shooter1201]

Off-duty:

G17 or Kahr K9
1-2 spare mags loaded with Speer 124 grain +P Gold Dots
Cold Steel RECON1
Princeton 'RAGE' mini-flashlight
Cellphone

In my POV is my portable, gear bag w/spare ammo, vest, spare batteries, etc.....and my M4. :D

[shooter1201]

207...

Normally, around my hometown I don't carry anything at all. But then I don't wear anything that could possibly ID me as a LEO.. Just your basic street urchin apparel... old jeans, sweatshirt, etc.

I work in a SMALL town....have arrested some 'not so nice folks', have made a few enemies of said same, I'm sure.....so I !!ALWAYS!! carry....even on my 'other job'.

BGs have a habit of getting OUT of jail and showing up when you least expect them.

[Sarge465]

Right now my favorite is a Browning Hi Power 40, with two extra mags and a CRKT M-16 and my cell phone.

[SpecOpsWarrior]

I dont carry to much off duty.

Usually I just carry the M4 with the M203 grenade launcher attached, and about 10 spare mags. When I first started carrying it I used to get some real weird looks, but now most of the folks in Wal-Mart are used to it. Heres the link. http://www.colt.com/colt/html/a2f22_m4carbine3.html

If I am expecting trouble or when ever I go out on a Friday night I usually carry the M249 with 2 extra box magazines. This one really gets some weird looks, but most people dont say to much about it. Heres the link. http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m249.htm

Now if I really want to go unnoticed I just carry the MP5K-PDW, most people dont even notice this one, and it conceals nicely in a shoulder holster, but I just dont like "sacrificing" on the ballistics, so I dont carry it to often. Heres the link. http://www.remtek.com/arms/hk/mil/pdw/pdw.htm

Now for off duty back up carry I carry a twin set of suppressed G17's. These babies are super silent and provide that extra bit of protection, just in case.

I used to carry some C-4, but the wife just raised all mighty hell. So that stays in the trunk. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

On rainy days when I get to wear a raincoat I break out the really heavy hardware. I carry a MAADI-Griffin semi auto .50BMG, its a little heavy, but its nice to know I can "reach out and touch someone", if you know what I mean. Heres the link so you all can see my beauty. http://www.maadigriffin.com/mg6.htm

Thats about it.

Oh yeah, and I carry a Nextel to. :D :D :D

[That Guy]

LMAO @Spec :eek:

After reading the other posts I feel under dressed when I leave the house or when I leave the station.

[Guard Dog]

Sometimes if I go into the City ( Chicago) I carry my 380 PPK/S. Generally I don't carry, but have one in the car, just in case.

I used to carry all the time. It got to be too much of a hassle keeping it concealed properly.

I use an ankle holster most of the time but for some strange reason I get these strange look in summer when I'm wearing shorts. Must be my legs are too hairy. :D :D

[Dinosaur]

Just a slingshot and a couple of marbles in the back pocket of my jeans.

[Vtfuzz]

We are required to carry our badge and ID at all times.

I carry almost all the time my S&W 6906, a pair of cuffs, and either my cell phone or portable radio, or both.

[TinStar]

I do not as a rule carry when I am off duty. The weight of the gun usually causes my pants to slip down and I am contantly pulling them up. When I do remember to get my gun, it is a Glock 40 or Gov't Model .45

It is a pain in the a** to try to hide the damn thing anyway, especially in the summer time when it's a 100+ and I am in T-shirt, shorts and sandles.

I don't usually expect the boogieman to jump out and get me anyway.

[tcsd1236]

My duty weapon, spare mag and handcuffs in a fanny pack

[TennDECA]

Off-duty on person:

Glock G27
Spare Glock G22 mag
Spyderco Delica
Thumb cuffs
Cell Phone
Surefire 3P
Bagde/ID in a tri-fold wallet

[ 01-25-2002: Message edited by: TennDECA ]

[shooter1201]

Is it me or...?

How many of you have ever been to an 'officer survival' seminar? I'm sure that NONE of the officers shot last year ever EXPECTED to be shot. I can guarantee you that my great grandfather never expected to be shot and killed in the line of duty. I can also say, with probably 100% certainty, that the FBI agents shot in Miami never 'expected' to get shot, but DID.

I apologize if I'm speaking to the choir, but I just spent an unscheduled day off, doing my usual errands and such: paying bills, stopping by the bank, shopping in WalMart, etc. Know what? I was ARMED.

[Sotex]

Have to agree with Shooter.

I carry either a Glock 23 and American lightweight cuffs, or a Kel-tec P40 and flexcuffs, depending on clothing. Always have Gerber EZ-Out and cellphone, not to mention the ever present electronic leash (pager).

[THE BRONZE]

I carry either my Beretta 92 or 96 when I'm off. Both are big and hard to conceal, but they are what I'm accustomed to. With the way things are going locally, I'm carrying almost everywhere I go.

[FlaLaw]

Ok I keep my S&W CS9 in a holster in a bag in the trunk with my ID and Badge. One of the changes I have made since being a cop is always looking for what doesn't fit. So I have a gun nearby if I need it. but I would rather use the phone and have the guys withe the blue suits vests and an endless supply of ammo handle it.

Shooter back to your FBI in Miami reference, One of the reasons they died was, when the uniform cops showed up they thought it was drugdealers shooting each other. They just watched until they could get enough help. I have lived in South Fla and have been in LE or Family in LE all of my life. I dont want to get shot by a goodguy thinking I am a bad guy. A guy with a gun is a guy with a gun. I dont know if he is a cop, a citizen with an "honorary", a badguy saying he is a cop, or a badguy. I wouldnt want to be in the cops shoes who has to figure out which or put him in those shoes.

[Urban Jedi]

I know we don't have guns, but if I was to carry my ASP, cuffs or CS spray off duty, I would be charged with a criminal offence.

There is NO way we could carry this stuff off duty, the law simply does not allow it, but, and get this, when we are off duty, and get involved in an incident (which I do as INFEQUENTLY as humanly possible) we are then technically acting in our execution of duties as police officers and are entitled to have our equipment...........what??????????

Anyway, so we have the choice of - take stuff home and wear off duty and risk arrest and prosecution, or just not get involved with potentially violent incidents.

No contest. :D

[Darkwulfe]

I carry my G22 and one extra mag. With handcuffs and the badge.

If I am going out for a beer or two I leave the gun in the car and carry OC and handcuffs.

[207]

Originally posted by Bez:
<STRONG>I know we don't have guns, but if I was to carry my ASP, cuffs or CS spray off duty, I would be charged with a criminal offence.

There is NO way we could carry this stuff off duty, the law simply does not allow it, but, and get this, when we are off duty, and get involved in an incident (which I do as INFEQUENTLY as humanly possible) we are then technically acting in our execution of duties as police officers and are entitled to have our equipment...........what??????????

Anyway, so we have the choice of - take stuff home and wear off duty and risk arrest and prosecution, or just not get involved with potentially violent incidents.

No contest. :D</STRONG>

You mean there are fellow officers that would actually arrest you for carrying those items? Cuffs? does this include the plastic/nylon type of restaints?
You're certainly are in need of some law changes over there! It's bad enough that they don't allow you to carry a firearm but, an ASP, cuffs & OC?? :confused:

[Bonk]

I carry every single time I walk out the door, even when I'm taking the trash out. Hate to sound paranoid, but you never know... :rolleyes: A little bulk and weight is a minor price to pay for safety.

- Badge/ID/wallet
- cellphone
- Glock 27 or Glock 22 or ParaOrdnance P16-40
- cordcuff rolled up in my pocket
- OC

[Sig220Man]

Originally posted by 207:
<STRONG>You mean there are fellow officers that would actually arrest you for carrying those items? Cuffs? does this include the plastic/nylon type of restaints?
You're certainly are in need of some law changes over there! It's bad enough that they don't allow you to carry a firearm but, an ASP, cuffs & OC??</STRONG>

The UK isn't the only country that's like that. If I'm not mistaken Canadian officers are also prohibited from carrying their equipment off duty.

[207]

Originally posted by Sig220Man:
<STRONG>

The UK isn't the only country that's like that. If I'm not mistaken Canadian officers are also prohibited from carrying their equipment off duty.</STRONG>

I guess I should rephrase that.. What I was wondering is, do they consider cuffs/restraints a weapon? Or is it the fact that it is dept issued and if so, is it also illegal to carry these items if they are personally owned?

Last fall when I went to St. Foy, PQ, the only thing I was told not to bring over the border was firearms. That's understandable. I did have OC with me.

[John from Maryland]

I've heard reference to on-duty cops arriving at the scene of the "FBI Miami shoot-out" and being confused regarding identity. No one, including S/A Eddie Morales, has ever suggested this changed the outcome of the incident.

Morales was a speaker at Miami-Dade's Officer Survival Instructor Course when I attended in 1994. There were a lot of questions regarding why the agents didn't have shotguns, body armor, auomatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons (actually the most insightful questions), rifles, more agents, and so forth.

Morales responded eloquently and truthfully: "We never expected that we'd actually find these guys."

I routinely carry while off-duty. I don't expect to actually find some real bad guys. On the other hand, I want to be ready if they find me.

Be safe.

[Urban Jedi]

You mean there are fellow officers that would actually arrest you for carrying those items? Cuffs? does this include the plastic/nylon type of restaints?

207 - Yes, i am sure there are fellow officers who would arrest another for carrying those items (one in a million, though I would hope)

The ASP is an offensive weapon which it is an offence to have without 'lawful excuse'. So we are entitled to carry it on duty, but not off duty (despite the fact we have to put ourselves 'on duty' and deal with something) and if we do, we commit an offence.

The CS spray is, according to UK legislation, a firearm. Thats a big no no carrying that off duty. If we have to take our CS spray home (i.e. if we are working at a station other than our own the next day, and cannot attend our usual place of work to pick the spray up) we must get authority from out commanding officer at our station/unit.

The cuffs we have are rigid cuffs, and are not merely a detention tool - they are designed to be used as a compliance tool, and could therefore be percieved as a weapon as it is inherent in their design to administer pain when justified.

I know of several officers who have been disciplined for carrying PPE home (to and from work) and one officer I know used his ASP off duty to detain a burglar. No commendations for him. Just a ticking off from management (even though its use was more than justified).

I suppose that one could argue in court if prosecuted that you had a 'lawful excuse' for carrying these items, but I would not want to be the test case!!!

:D

[shooter1201]

IIRC, Washington, D.C. officers are prohibited from carrying weapons off-duty.

[THE BRONZE]

That may be the official line, Shooter 1201, but the last time I was in DC talking to a K9 officer, he couldn't believe I wasn't packing. BTW, my agency's Chief came from DC. Unconfirmed rumor is that he feels all US officers should have to leave their weapons at work at the end of the day. :rolleyes: I wonder if he has considered moving out of the country?

[Guard Dog]

I don't care if it is a gun friendly state or not. If I travel with my family, I have a handgun concealed somewhere. Nobody knows but me. If I am attacked, then I will defend my family. I will take my chances in court, but rest assured, I will be alive, my family will be alive, and there will be one sorry $%&#*)er that will be licking some wounds.

I also have a cannister of Capstun. Less than letal and very effective. I know several long haul truck drivers that carry it. The rest areas at night are 'quite the place".

[Jakabuto]

CopInNY/Jay,
Your choice of blades sounds like the Spyderco Civilian, one of my favorite blades.
Personally, off-duty, I carry either my G-26 or S&W 642, and always some knife usually one of my several Microtechs, Spydercos, Benchmades, or custom folders which are just as nasty (or tasty?) and I always have cuffs and an ASP in the car.

[CopInNY]

Jon,

You work in Suffolk PD as well, correct?

Jay

[SGT Dave]

I have to agree with Guard Dog. I’m carrying wherever, and just hope the local laws don’t criminalize me.

If I’ve learned nothing from LE, I’ve learned that sh** happens every day, everywhere, to someone, and LE is NOT able to always be there. To suggest otherwise is playing into the hands of the anti-gun lobby.

I've carried since I was sixteen and actually used it (without having to shoot) to save my father's life when I was 16 (if any of you have the December 1993 issue of Combat Handguns, it was in there in the "It Happened To Me" column.) I realized that day that all the police in the country wouldn't have been able to save him/us at that moment, and knew RIGHT THEN it is up to the individual.

The only places NC law doesn't allow me to carry (by my interpretation) is the Governor’s Mansion, so I'll try to remember to leave it off in the car the next time he's consulting me. :D

The only places I've not carried that I have been (and relied on my knives and my abilities for hand-to-hand picked up as a street cop) was when traveling out of the country. I realized that might be futile also once while in Honduras. I decided to “go hiking” one morning when I woke at 0530, and everyone else was sound asleep. I set off with a Mountainsmith daypack and my Spyderco. I left the property on which I was staying through a banana plantation, and upon getting to the paved road, saw (before they saw me) about 12 guys with machetes. I realize they were PROBABLY harmless, and the salt of the earth, but “what if?” I took another route. Admittedly, the P239 wouldn’t have been much better, but the Spyderco felt awfully inadequate …

I suppose if I were going to the District of Columbia, I would PROBABLY not risk it (????? ;) ?????) but thinks to their bonehead legislation, that’s the place one would most likely NEED one. :rolleyes:

Dinosaur: Take extra marbles if you go to DC.

Jakubuto: Check your PM.

[Dinosaur]

Thanks for the heads up, Dave!

I assume that since most in DC have already lost their marbles, taking an adequate supply could give me an edge.

[SGT Dave]

Good point!

You are witty, if not charming.

:D

[PartTimer]

We aren't allowed to carry off duty. But, there are days when you have to go against the grain. In which case I may carry a Glock 21 or 30. I don't have a concealment holster so I have to wear a baggie shirt. If by chance I am doing something work related, but off-duty, I will have my badge and 21 on my side.

[Landric]

Howdy,

Usually I carry the department issued HK USP 40 Compact, a spare 12 round mag, a spyderco knife, OC spray, and cuffs. I generally do not carry a backup gun off-duty unless I'm going somewhere like Richmond. I do always carry a weapon though.

Sometimes I carry my S&W 642 and my S&W 342. Call me paranoid, but I just don't feel comfortable with just one J-frame.

On-duty I always carry a backup gun.

[jpa]

I carry my G30 everywhere except when going to the airport. Every time I've left it home something bad has happened near me or just before I got there. Once I took the El home from the loop and was getting off at my stop, a man was robbed and shot about 5 mins before I got there. Not very comforting. OTOH, I just saw one of my former customers that the Sgt arrested and brought into my lockup with a knife in his pocket. After I took it, made some small talk about it suggesting it was a good tool, he said "yeah, it's good for cutting people who need it". I ran into him at Dennys, he didn't say/do anything but stare but it was comforting to have my glock on my side. So my new rule is if I put pants on, I'm gonna have to carry unless prohibited.

While working, I wish we could have a backup, but we're only allowed one firearm on duty at a time. Otherwise it would be a S&W airweight or bodyguard in a vest holster.

[SpecOpsWarrior]

jpa, I have a question for you.

In your post you said.
While working, I wish we could have a backup, but we're only allowed one firearm on duty at a time. Otherwise it would be a S&W airweight or bodyguard in a vest holster.

How do you feel as an employee, about this policy?

To me, its dangerous, to dangerous to even consider. To be totally honest, the person who came up with this policy needs to be run out of law enforcement and blackballed to the deepest depths of hell so that they cant even get a job at a McDonald's.

As an officer I would be carrying a backup anyway. My bosses wouldn't know about it unless they did a pat down on me before I went on duty or I killed someone with it. If I killed someone with it, and they fire me, they could kiss my rosy red *****!

I lived in Chicago for about six months, I was a civilian at the time and I carried a tricked out 1911 with me every where I went. I never got caught with it, but if I had, it would have been for a damn good reason, so I didn't mind the risk.

[Firebug]

Originally posted by SpecOpsWarrior:
<STRONG>jpa, I have a question for you.

In your post you said.
While working, I wish we could have a backup, but we're only allowed one firearm on duty at a time. Otherwise it would be a S&W airweight or bodyguard in a vest holster.

How do you feel as an employee, about this policy?

To me, its dangerous, to dangerous to even consider. To be totally honest, the person who came up with this policy needs to be run out of law enforcement and blackballed to the deepest depths of hell so that they cant even get a job at a McDonald's.

As an officer I would be carrying a backup anyway. My bosses wouldn't know about it unless they did a pat down on me before I went on duty or I killed someone with it. If I killed someone with it, and they fire me, they could kiss my rosy red *****!

I lived in Chicago for about six months, I was a civilian at the time and I carried a tricked out 1911 with me every where I went. I never got caught with it, but if I had, it would have been for a damn good reason, so I didn't mind the risk.</STRONG>

I have the same problem. The Agency that I work for will not allow us to carry a backup firearm. It sucks but they will not budge.

Firebug.

[warrior1]

Just thought that I should reply to this one, Please remember your couterparts in other parts of the world (i.e. here in England) where off duty all we get to carry are our warrant cards.

If we were to take our batons or CS out with us we are just as likely to be in trouble for carrying offensive weapons.

Yet some people still expect us to get involved and deal with incidents fare or not.

[jpa]

Personally I think it kinda sucks. If my glock jams or is somehow disabled (mechanical parts, it DOES happen) then what do I do? Hit the guy with my baton? Wait for someone else to come around and shoot him? By then I could be dead, hell.. The policy in the GO's was dated mid 1980's, I wonder if they've even reviewed it since then. I think it was mainly to keep the "John Wayne" guys from carrying dual six shooters, but it still applies today. Our chief just retired last August after 31 years of service, the dep chief is chief now. I might need to point that policy out to the chief, see if it can be changed. Another deputy chief is the firearms instructor, he's very up on firearms use and seems to support the idea of a backup gun.

Originally posted by SpecOpsWarrior:
<STRONG>jpa, I have a question for you.

In your post you said.
While working, I wish we could have a backup, but we're only allowed one firearm on duty at a time. Otherwise it would be a S&W airweight or bodyguard in a vest holster.

How do you feel as an employee, about this policy?

To me, its dangerous, to dangerous to even consider. To be totally honest, the person who came up with this policy needs to be run out of law enforcement and blackballed to the deepest depths of hell so that they cant even get a job at a McDonald's.

As an officer I would be carrying a backup anyway. My bosses wouldn't know about it unless they did a pat down on me before I went on duty or I killed someone with it. If I killed someone with it, and they fire me, they could kiss my rosy red *****!

I lived in Chicago for about six months, I was a civilian at the time and I carried a tricked out 1911 with me every where I went. I never got caught with it, but if I had, it would have been for a damn good reason, so I didn't mind the risk.</STRONG>

[H8Criminals]

$.35 and a camera.

[Dinosaur]

Back-up weapons are also prohibited by my department's policy. Pocket knives (over 3") are included in this regulation.

I believe the original purpose of this rule was to prevent back-ups from being used as "throw downs" to justify an otherwise bad shooting.

I personally see it as one of those "don't ask, don't tell" kind of rules.

[RoadWarrior]

Man, after seeing what some of you guys carry, I feel under-dressed. When I'm not working I carry my Beretta 21a (.22LR), cell-phone, Spyderco stainless w/ full serration, and my Victornox Swiss Army Knife. I chose a little off-duty piece because it's easily concealed, back pocket, waistband or ankle.

On duty I carry all of the above plus my S&W model 4566 .45 + 2 spare mags.

[RoadWarrior]

I don't remember the name, but I saw an old western a while back where one of the deputy sheriff's carried 3 guns, and he only had one arm! One of the other deputys was kidding him about it, and he said, "I just don't want to get killed for a lack of shootin' back."

Got that right.

[shooter1201]

I carried 3 weapons on duty with my first department. My G19, a Colt 'New Agent' and a Davis .32ACP derringer.

That had a bit to do with my 'handle'.

[Dave T]

I guess I am one of the few S&W fans.

Off Duty

S&W Mod. 457 .45
230 Gr. Hi-Shock Federal

http://www.smith-wesson.com/images/firearms/small/457.jpg

S&W Tactical Lockblade (4.75")

http://shopping.smith-wesson.com/smith-wesson/images/19541-2.jpg

One of the primary reasons for this weapon is the mags also fit both my service firearm (Mod. 4506) and my wifes (Mod. 4516). Allowing her to carry it when I have one of my other guns with me.

Stay Safe

Dave

[comcen]

Frequently, my stainless Walther PPK/S.

Sometimes, M1911A1 .45.

In the summer, a Colt .25 auto in the back pocket with a spare magazine, or an American Derringer .45 Long Colt/.410 w-OOO buck shells.

On the boat, S&W mod 60..

Knife: Camilus Marlinspike or USMC K-Bar.