Very cool idea chokeu2; I'd be interested in learning more bc we could use a better system here...I'm actually in Austin, Texas and the campus here has IMO a decent notification system, but it's hard to coordinate over 50k students and faculty at one time. If you drop down to Austin, let me know...be more than happy to show you around and grab some cold drinks.

 

Excellent! We integrate with any notification system, and can offer it if a client doesn't have one, or wants another. Full email, sms, cell, phone, etc, notifications. At any rate, this system is about command and control for emergency action plans, going from active shooter to things as mundane as pipes breaking, or football game event planning and management. (which is actually why this consulting firm bought into us. Oracle is interested in the event planning and management capabilities)

I'll drop you a PM and work out the details. Now if ole AJ and I could hook up on the phone, I can book some tickets.

 

Another key for anyone interested is also is to take tactical courses. When the fecal matter hits the oscillating blade, we need to remember that our world isn't a war zone and we're usually at least emotionally if not physically and tactically unprepared for what's transpiring.

A soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan wakes up every day knowing that he or she may be engaging enemy combatants. OTOH the soon to be victims at that mall, classroom or bank likely got up, kissed some loved ones goodbye for the day and anticipated another uneventful day. The cops responding to the tragedy were probably never in the military, and probably have never seen combat- they probably kissed someone goodbye for the day too. Being a cop is usually a reasonably safe job. Yes, they along with other first responders and people down the chain see horrific things on a regular basis, but nothing prepares you for walking in on a massacre. This is even worse when you consider that cops usually serve the same communities that they live in, so they're not walking into a war zone, they're walking into a war zone in their home town that may involve people they know as victims. Again, nothing hardwires you for this.

What your friend posted was great advice that may save a well intending good samaritan's life. I've heard it nearly word for word from at least two other cops and tactical instructors. My point about the pedestal isn't so much to bring a gung-ho cop down a notch, but rather to reinforce the fact that these events are pure evil because they're happening in peaceful communities and thus very far beyond any chaos any of us are accustomed to. All you can do is be aware and vigilant and get good training and keep life in perspective. My perspective is to enjoy life, which means that I will not hesitate to choose being tried by twelve over being carried by six. Oh, and if I see some scumbag shoot a cop or a clerk or a kid, I'll shoot him before I call for help.

I'd stopped carrying for about a year but have since resumed. I do feel it is a duty, as your friend pointed out. FWIW in Texas CHL holders are legally bound to assist police if asked to do so. Also in Texas, if you witness a capital crime (ie. robber shoots clerk) you are legally clear to drop the bad guy on sight. Non-sworn peace officers will face less scrutiny if they shoot someone than will a cop, so it's sometimes better if the non-cop shoots the bad guy. Of course, this is Texas, so we'd probably all be shooting the bad guy.

 

Good read and vid. I just went to the range yesterday as a warmup....boy do I suck --edit warmup for the march gtg--

I couldnt hit the ground if I tried. 10 yrds 5 inch group :rofl:

25 yards.....25" group

 

Good read here...

 

I support the notion of that the "good" people be allowed to carry in order to counter act the actions of the dregs of our society. I would if I could (I live in Illinois so I can't). All of my friends who are cops/marshals carry even off duty and I am glad they do. I just don't think most people are capable of doing so. No matter how much you preach training, people just don't go through with it after the novelty wears off. Even with training there is still going to be a large segment of people that wouldn't be able to function in a real situation. It's one thing to fire at a target at a range and quite another to react against a real threat. I'm still debating in my head whether having an armed guy on the street who is poorly trained, hasn't shot a gun in more than a year, and is likely to crap his pants at the first sound of gunfire is a liability or a benefit.

 

-spot on icruze-

I hope that if I ever find myself in a situation that requires me to draw my weapon, I will do so with a clear head, truth is though, I never have had to and I hope I never have to. Until that day/time comes, I will never know.

I am not ex military or ex law enforcement. Just your average joe exercising my right to protect my person and my family at all costs and again, I truly hope I never have to discharge my weapon with the intent to end life.

 

Excellent read, I completely agree with what you and your friend have stated. Ever read anything by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman? Excellent author, speaker, and man in general. I highly recommend his works to all, and if you ever get a chance to see/meet him then be sure to do it: http://www.killology.com/art_buckeye.htm

 

Thank you very much.


Have I read On Killing? Well... If I ever met the good Col., I'd ask him to autograph my well worn copy. That book is required reading for anyone interested in human thought processes, and behavior.

 

Great thread.

I'm pretty much a beginner as far as firearms are concerned but I am preparing myself by consulting experts first.

Stumbled upon this thread on GT. If you are ever in doubt about the decision to carry , most of the early posts should convince you.