Philly PD has a LONG history of doing what they want - law and rules be damned. Frank Rizzo is the archetype.
That having been said, open carry in the city of brothers on drugs is a very poor decision, tactically. That high quality sidearm you are carrying WILL bring unwanted attention from the bad guys. It is more valuable to them than anything you are likely to have in your wallet. They will NOT hesitate to shoot you without notice or provocation to get it. Unless you have someone watching your six, you are at serious risk.
I firmly believe it is better to leave ‘em guessing, or not get noticed in the first place. Do not delude your self that prowess at the range equates to superiority in a street gunfight. There are many ‘veterans’ of street wars prowling around who’ve been in multiple shooting fights who rely on sudden attack and lots of bullets. They don’t much care about marksmanship, center of mass or hitting the five ring. They just want to get a pill into you as fast as possible, anywhere, and take it from there. Once wounded, you are at an almost insurmountable disadvantage.
The fraction of a second that it takes to sweep back your jacket doesn’t make up for having made yourself a target already and giving the bad guys the initiative. His OODA loop is already at the “A” while you’re still Condition White. Even if your think you’re at at Yellow, you are still several seconds behind him.
Remember, he’s been in street shootouts before, have you? How does your ‘Condition Yellow’ stack up to his, especially if you’ve already tickled his interest by displaying your shootin’ iron?
Bottom line, I admire the principal but deplore the tactics.
Joe Biden spelling -
Principal should be principle. Doh!
Though, you should have seen my principal. Tall redhead, fond of tight sweaters. Much to admire there too..
Your right, open carry in a place like Philadelphia is like a fighting the old British way, lining up to get shot by a guerilla style fighter.
It makes me wonder if the guy thinks that the gang banger is going first slap with his glove and challenge him to a duel.
Open carry definitely has its place, but a city street is not a tactically smart move.
I agree with you SargeK; openly carrying scares the sheep. Interesting how the Philly PD are acting more like wolves and less like sheep dogs.
I recently learned from a friend in Texas that drug cartel/gang members will loiter near gun stores and ranges, marking the vehicles of customers.
Later, if they see the same vehicle at a mall or similar location, they break in and toss the vehicle hoping steal a left behind firearm.
The example I saw was a small dot on the right front tire, but any inconspicuous marking method/location could be utilized.
If your have a CCW permit, make sure you have a good hidden void to place your weapon if you must leave it in your vehicle (e.g. going to court). If you don’t need leave it in your vehicle, keep the discipline and carry. I’m stunned at the number of police friends of mine who won’t carry while off duty because of the inconvenience.