Carrying Your gun Off duty

[mcsap]

Explorers who carry knives for protection may find themselves in a bind with that knife someday which could certainly effect their ability to get into Law Enforcement.

[Metallic4]

Oh, I don't " hang out" in areas where a knife may be needed, but a knife may be needed anywhere. I've carried a knife for a long time, but am considering pepper. The reason I'd rather use a knife is that I know how to and it's relible, but of course pepper is too, thanx for the suggestions. If I carried pepper, I would still probably cary my knife for back-up

mcsap is right on this, you shouldn't be carrying around a knife. If it came down to using force I have to rely on using my fists. Do you carry your knife on ride-alongs or while participating in explorer events?

[ACS Explorer]

Are you kidding? No, I wouldn't consider carrying a knife durring any explorer activity. As far as the knife, I have a right to cary it, alot of people carry knives, not only for self defense, but the shear handyness of them. Between being a rancher and a painter, I use my knife for work perposses nearly every day. Someone said at 16 I shouldn't worry about carrying a knife or pepper, age is not a factor in being a victim of a violent act. I carry my knife mostly because I use it, just like my leatherman tool, but if someone should attack, I have it. Of course I'll try to talk my way out of any dangerous situation, and if it's just a matter of fists, I'll use my fists, it won't be a first time, I wouldn't consider the knife. You said I shouldn't be carrying a knife around, if I was a 10 year old, no I shouldn't. I'm not a kid, and like I said, using a knife is part of what I use at work, so do the other ranch hands. I appreciate your concern, but I don't think I'll find my self in any dangerous situation in the near future anyway.

[nhexplorerpost2]

Explorers who carry knives for protection may find themselves in a bind with that knife someday which could certainly effect their ability to get into Law Enforcement.

Oh man, now I feel like I have done something wrong. I too have about 2-3 knives. The only time that I ever carry them is while doing explorer activites. (ride-alongs and such) But, my intention was never to use it as a weapon even if needed I would not use a knife against someone. The only reason why I carry one is the fact that our Explorer post is also involved with Fire and EMS. I just carry my knife to be prepared for an auto accident, in which case it comes in handy for cutting seat belts of an unconsious party. Are my intentions wrong to carry a knife, because those are %100 my intentions for carrying the knife. It also has come in handy when needing a wedge to unlock a door to get a jimmy (?) in a window.

I can deffinatly see why carrying a knife can be wrong and dangerous but with what I have said, do you think it is wrong?

[Metallic4]

Oh man, now I feel like I have done something wrong. I too have about 2-3 knives. The only time that I ever carry them is while doing explorer activites. (ride-alongs and such) But, my intention was never to use it as a weapon even if needed I would not use a knife against someone. The only reason why I carry one is the fact that our Explorer post is also involved with Fire and EMS. I just carry my knife to be prepared for an auto accident, in which case it comes in handy for cutting seat belts of an unconsious party. Are my intentions wrong to carry a knife, because those are %100 my intentions for carrying the knife. It also has come in handy when needing a wedge to unlock a door to get a jimmy (?) in a window.

I can deffinatly see why carrying a knife can be wrong and dangerous but with what I have said, do you think it is wrong?

I don't think it is wrong for EMS purposes. But it is agaisnt BSA/LFL rules I believe. I will try and find the link for you.
I have nothing agaisnt knifes, I just don't carry one on me at all times. I have a Leatherman I keep in my car or bring with me when I am out boating, but using it for protection has never even crossed my mind.

[nhexplorerpost2]

I don't think it is wrong for EMS purposes. But it is agaisnt BSA/LFL rules I believe. I will try and find the link for you.
I have nothing agaisnt knifes, I just don't carry one on me at all times. I have a Leatherman I keep in my car or bring with me when I am out boating, but using it for protection has never even crossed my mind.

Ok makes since. In my post's Rules and Regs. it states that we are aloud to carry a knife as long as the blade does not exceed 3 inches.

[ACS Explorer]

Any person within reasonable limits has the right to carry a knife, that's why we live in America. But there are safety restrictions for our own good. For example when I enter my local DMV, I always leave my knife in the car. The DMV for obvious reasons outlaws carrying a weapon into the building, unless you are an LEO, and I absolutley obey that. I don't carry a knife durring explorer activitys because I don't feel it is apropriate. I wouldn't carry my knife anyway, because if there was an assult between an officer and a stopped motorist, it is more my responsibilty to get back up and medical assistance than to jump in the fight, the officer knows what he is doing, getting in the way while trying to help could cost your life or his. Just my 2c.

[ACS Explorer]

Oh, could you find that link, I think it's on the LE learning for life site, and I agree, as far as I know it does violate the rules to carry a knife durring explorer activities.

[nhexplorerpost2]

Oh, could you find that link, I think it's on the LE learning for life site, and I agree, as far as I know it does violate the rules to carry a knife durring explorer activities.

I could not find anything at all pertaining to carrying knifes. All it said was that you could not carrie a firearm or nonlethal weapons such as chemical sprays and batons. Here is a link

Learning For Life

Scroll down and click on- Ride-Along Certification Program then you can scroll down and look through the policies

[99TAC]

We have a policy against carrying weapons. That's why the little things me and my collegues carry in our pockets, which look exactly like knives, we call "tools for the job" when asked why we have it.

[ACS Explorer]

Your right couldn't find anything, I guess it's up to your dept.

[mcsap]

It isn't so much that you carry a knife but what you could or might do with it in certain circumstances. Your "pocket tool" could become a deadly weapon. Your feet are the best defensive tool you have, you are by law obligated to avoid or attempt to distance yourself from a confrontation rather than go toe to toe.

If you were to do a ride-along with me, you would most certainly leave it at home.