nytraveler

I'm sorry - but your information is not completely correct.

Many police officers go through rigorous training and learn how to deal with all sorts of dangerous situations. Many - but certainly not all. There are definitely places where becoming a police officer is a much more casual thing - not requiring what it does here in NYC:

Civil Service Written Exam
Thorough Physical
Written Psychological Exam
Oral Psychological Exam
Multiple interviews with higher level officers at the academy
Six months in the Police Academy

In NYC you are requied to be only a high school graduate to apply to the program. In other areas of the state some college courses or even a BA/BS are required to enter the local academy.

To be a NY State Trooper the Academy is more equivalent to a military training with all cadets living in barracks at the academy.

I'm not at all sure that all this testing and training takes place to become a member of any police force in the country.

And I still don;t want a lot of cops running around with guns in areas that are not their own - where not only laws, but also local customs differ significantly.

NeoPatrick

<Sorry, but I'd be looking for someone else to travel with. This guy sounds like a nut case. Carrying a gun so you can kill someone on a moments notice>



That's YOUR opinion. My opinion is that is is just as ridiculous for any man going on vacation to a city to feel a need to carry a gun. And in my book there's only one reason to carry a gun and that is to use it if you feel a need to. You may think that's fine and normal. I don't! We each have our opinions. But if it makes you feel better to say my opinion is ridiculous, then good for you.

And I'm not the one who used "carrying an umbrellas" for some people as an equivalent to "carrying a gun" for others -- I was merely repeating what someone else said -- and THAT was the exaggeration in MY book.

nytraveler

I think the Zimmerman case is a perfect example of why this is a really bad idea..

He was found not guilty - of what would have clearly been murder in NY, Laws differ. How do cops from god knows where know what the laws are in NY? They may think they have the right to pull a gun any time they FEEL threatened - which they most certainly do NOT here.

Sorry - but whoever it is should leave their gun at home. It would be much safer for everyone.

HKP

I think it's a little bizarre that this was included in part of the OP in the first place. For me, worrying about length of lines and which level is preferable for best view is an entirely different sort of concern than - oh, by the way, one of us will be packing heat, any problem with that?

Sort of like: what is best place to have brunch, what is best time to do that, and will I be challenged if I want to bring my grenade collection?

NeoPatrick

I'm also curious if this guy will be carrying his gun while watching Wicked, when eating in nice restaurants, and all the rest. I'm getting the idea he takes the gun with him everywhere, not just to major tourist sites. Imagining the guy next to be in a BroadwAy theatre with a gun is kinda creepy!

HowardR

Unfortunately, Patrick, your scenario about a gun-toting individual sitting next to you in the theater reminds of an all-too-real occurrence about a month ago in Florida when a man was shot and killed in as the climax to an argument that started over someone texting in a movie theater. And, I'm sure, like me, you've encountered people texting or involved in another electronic activity during a show.
Now sad that the tragedy at Sandy Hook has changed nothing!

IMDonehere

I'm also curious if this guy will be carrying his gun while watching Wicked

Those twelve year old girls in the audience are a tough crowd.

NeoPatrick

And I'd worry he might get set off by a flying monkey!

dvlish

Thanks all, sorry to set off a gun debate. I was simply asking because I am aware of the strict rules in NYC and the culture that continues to this day. I knew the law changed but mentality and culture many times has a hard time following...being around LE this is something that is a common question and yes for those who know POs, many travel with their weapon, vacation or not. The gun isn't for Wicked and the "12 year old girls" watching the show that might get out of line. It's for the walking around NYC, taking a wrong turn and ending up in a not so great part of town. Having been there many times am I worried about this? No. Being a PO who has not visited he just doesn't have the same perspective. He isn't a nut...just works in a VERY rough area and NYC has a "rough" reputation in the field. Rest assured, I will not be traveling with a nut who pulls his gun on someone in a theater for texting during the show. If it helps give you some perspective, I have been to the movies with this guy and had a gang banger he arrested a few nights before sit down next to me. That is where he is coming from. Personally I think he should leave it at home, I have never felt unsafe in NYC!

With that, being the advanced planner I like to know what I'm getting myself into, when to leave it in the hotel safe, etc. FWIW, after all my research about what a PITA it would be to have it with him, I believe he has decided it is more trouble than it's worth to try and bring it to NYC. Hopefully that makes you feel better. Our trip has been postponed (was last weekend) anyways so it's a non-issue at this point until we rebook. Thanks again for the candor! Snarky or not, I do find these boards SO helpful in trip planning and I really appreciate all the help I have received over the years.

Dukey1

Part of the "responsibility" of anyone, especially someone who is a law enforcement officer, is knowing when it is appropriate to carry it and when it is not. And please, this "might wander into some dangerous area" is bogus IMO. The person shouldn't ever be wandering in some strange environment but perhaps knowing there's a gun readily available gives some sort of extra assurance as it seems to do for some people here in Florida.

NeoPatrick

Dvlish, your friend should be happy you support his idea that anyone traveling in the unsafe city of New York needs to carry a gun for safety. Again, please let us know when you ARE going to NYC, so we can be sure to stay away. And yes, I realize I am being snarky, but in my humble opinion, deservedly so.
In my opinion an off duty policeman has no more business carrying a gun in a tourist area than any other crackpot. But I'm glad you support your friend.

Tomsd

Reminds me of the old saying: A Conservative is a Liberal who has been mugged.

Tomsd

dvl - as for NYC - it's waay safer than it used to be years ago. I don't have a concern walking around most places - but still like to check out ahead of time where I am going.

I love staying in Greenwich Village - and when I go walking around at night (early evening) - out to dinner, etc - I still keep checking out everyone around me (and behind me) - but there are single young women walking around - into the evening - without any apparent concerns.

Tomsd

And most people ("civilians") don't appreciate that Police Officers live with/see crime every single day - and know about what can happen - even if the stats are low about it happening to you.

Tomsd

BTW - I just googled the Q: How many people get mugged daily in NYC?

One answer came up: About 1 every 5 minutes.

Assuming that has some validity - that is what the police hear about every day - even if you don't!!

michele_d

<And most people ("civilians") don't appreciate that Police Officers live with/see crime every single day - and know about what can happen - even if the stats are low about it happening to you.>

I agree 100% with this statement.

Even though my husband has been retired for 14 yrs from law enforcement, due to an on-duty injury, he still looks at the world through 'law enforcement' colored lenses. It can't help but change you.

nytraveler

First of all - NYC is THE safest large city in the country - the whole country.

Second - average tourists do no spend time in the relatively few neighborhoods that have higher crime rates (that's left to the poor who can't afford to live anywhere else).

Third - I don't want anyone not licenses by the city of NY (and not used to local conditions) wandering around with a hidden gun.

I can only hope this nut ball decides to either leave his at home - or stay at home.

And if you are constantly searching around you for muggers at 7 pm in the Village - you have an extremely warped view of city life.

Tomsd

nyt - you are the epitome of the definition of a conservative is a liberal who has been mugged.

Muggings can happen anywhere - at any time - and you lower the odds by being alert - as they are experts at observing human nature - and love mindless wanderers. Double

nytraveler

That's just silly.

I'm not suggesting walking around wearing blinders. But - it only makes sense to have some perspective on where yuo are and when.

If you're walking down 12th Ave alone at 3 am - watch whatever you want. If you're so busy searching the Village at 7 pm for muggers you're going to be tripping over people's dogs and kids riding tricyces.

nytraveler

Oh- and I'm aware enough to have spent my whole life in NYC and never been mugged - or even close. Yes, be watchful - but not constantly terrified.