Zactly where did I say I wasnt fond of LE??? You guys have a pretty hard job and although at one time I thought about it, I no longer wish to be a LEO. I do get frustrated when I see LEO's, in general, assume that they are the gods gift of firearms. I am not fond of people who come loaded with the mindset of "I am better than you" because they have a job. A job where they can endanger others. That was expressed on that tape and in the story that I related.
Thing is, this stuff is terribly prevelant when it comes to firearms and cops, period. And since they really should know better it becomes more glaring. In fact the same point was made by former LEO's here, in this thread. As a shooter I do not expect all cops to be as good as I am, but they really ought to know which is the end that the bang comes out of, ya think?
In matters of how to enforce the law and write reports, you got the training and you got the know how. I know that the firearm that you carry will never be pulled in anger if you lay the odds. That doesnt mean you shouldnt know how to use it. How many people in the military never shoot at a enemy? Something like 70% of the mil is in logistics, maintinance, or REMF's. They gotta qualify, if they dont, then it shows in their promotion and evals. (at least it did, been a while) The course isnt dumbed down either. It is the same as it has been for a long time and the same for everyone.
I related the story to make that point. The LEO in the "I'll just shoot myself after I stated that I am the only person here with a badge so I am the only one qualified" video, and the lady at the range were of the same mindset. And both were incompetant with a tool that they are required to use. In any other job you would be repremanded, transfered, or fired if you could not perform with the tools and materials provided.
If she had dropped the attitude I would have been more than happy to assist her. But because she was a badged civilian, she knew more and was better, until my wife impressed upon her the truth. I taught her, I could have givin the lady LEO a few tips.
I also never equated target shooting with using a firearm in a situation. Though, if you cant when there is no pressure, then there is no reason to believe that you can when there is pressure. Would I take my wife over that lady? In a heartbeat. My wife knows enough to know that she doesnt know it all.
In a situation I would LIKE that the LEO would be able to hit the bad guy before he sprays my kids school bus with 47 bullets. Maybe thats just me. I dont know. I for one understand that those bullets go SOMEWHERE after they miss their target.
Bottom line.
Would you hire a backhoe operator to dig around your house when the best he has EVER done was to pull a small stump? Im not asking for a guy to wash my windows with a rag tied on the tooth, just know the equipment. If you want the job, you should be at least become familer enough with the equipment so that you dont hurt yourself or become a hazard to others. Or is that asking to much? Really, is it?
BTW, if you are a LEO and this makes you mad, good. Go to the range and hit what you aim at, please. I would really prefer that you could. If you can and your partner cant. Rag on him/her until they take 2-3 hours a month and can. First it will be safer for ME and my kids, second it will be safer for YOU, third it will be safer for anyone around them. You guys have armorers and taxpayer funded ammo, at least here. There is no reason that you cant be decent. Not Olympic good, just decent.
Try a test for fun. See how many of the rookies can make a revolver safe. Try it.
