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- Oct 24, 2011
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One thing I am not in favor of is arming other public servants and responders, so they have to focus on doing their jobs AND on possibly using lethal force if it is warranted. This is a big reason (though certainly not the only reason) the idea of arming teachers horrifies me. I know I have a hard enough time in the classroom sometimes, especially during labs, dealing with all the questions, issues with equipment, answering student questions, dealing with distraught students, that I can't remember where I just put my class notes or keys down sometimes. Having to be hyper alert for any threats and the need to be aware of my gun at all times would not be workable, unless I no longer perform the other aspects of my job with any focus or seriousness. I don't think social workers, paramedics, crisis counselors etc. would have success with this either.
One thing I've wondered about is why police are opposed to being issued "smart guns" that can only be fired by the person the weapon is registered to. Is it because the technology is still too glitchy, or is it because there's just a principle there they oppose? It seems like the widespread dissemination of this technology would reduce the risk of someone stealing an officer's gun and using it on them (there was a shooting of a police officer here in Sacramento a couple of years ago where that actually did happen). Heck, it would improve gun safety in other situations too, such as within homes with children, or if someone purchases a gun to protect themselves from an abusive partner or from ex who is stalking them.
One thing I've wondered about is why police are opposed to being issued "smart guns" that can only be fired by the person the weapon is registered to. Is it because the technology is still too glitchy, or is it because there's just a principle there they oppose? It seems like the widespread dissemination of this technology would reduce the risk of someone stealing an officer's gun and using it on them (there was a shooting of a police officer here in Sacramento a couple of years ago where that actually did happen). Heck, it would improve gun safety in other situations too, such as within homes with children, or if someone purchases a gun to protect themselves from an abusive partner or from ex who is stalking them.