Reader David Brown writes:
I’ve noticed there are many people in the general public and political arena that seem to see a clear distinction between what weapons and magazines are appropriate for law enforcement and what are appropriate for “the rest of us”. The only differences I see are ones that heavily favor the average person over law enforcement and here’s why. Like John Q. Public, a law enforcement officer’s weapons are used for defense of self or others. They’re not intended for offensive use. That being the case, the argument against citizens being entitled to anything short of what LEOs are privy to falls flat for three reasons . . .
1: LEOs frequently patrol with a partner, i.e. immediate backup. From the get-go, firepower and angles of defense are doubled for an officer with a partner. The average Joe is on his own with whatever firearm and ammo he/she has and only one angle of defense. In other words we’re oftentimes at an immediate disadvantage. +1 for us to have firepower equal to LEOs.
2: LEOs have the benefit of a quick radio call that will have every other patrol car in the area smoking tires to get there as fast as possible while we’re left betting everything on the 911 response being timely and hoping a “regular” shooting will bring the same response as an officer under fire. +2 for us to have firepower equal to LEOs.
3: Many times we encounter a higher number of immediate threats in a given situation than a LEO does. We all read the weekly articles about multiple home invaders getting either shot at or shot by a someone defending themselves, their family or their home. The invaders either shuffle off this mortal coil rather quickly or flee the scene. That leaves LEOs in “clean-up” mode when they arrive. We’re the ones on the front line, fending off multiple attackers while waiting for LEOs to get there and back us up. We’re the ultimate first responders. +3 for us to have firepower equal to LEOs.
To be very clear, I’m not in any way trying to bash LEOs. They serve an eminently important role and I’m truly glad for what they do, as fast as they can do it. But, I’m sick and tired of the argument being made that LEOs somehow need all the firepower they want yet somehow the rest of us, on our own and waiting for 911, don’t. You?