Do you really have the right to carry a gun in public?

**iravedic** · 07-30-13, 01:56 PM

The legality of CC outside the home is much murky than many around here think. This article is a good synopsis of the current state of litigation around the country.

Constitution Check: Do neighborhood watch volunteers have a right to carry a gun?

My bet is that until there is a diversity of opinions in the Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court will not take up the issue independently.

**Gumby** · 07-30-13, 02:21 PM

My 10th Amendment sense is tingling. I believe this is best left to the states to decide for themselves.

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**Ranger10** · 07-30-13, 02:23 PM

While I am a strong proponent of personal carry licences, its under the auspices of personal defense and protection. Police cannot be everywhere, all the time. However, carrying a weapon as a member of the neighborhood watch is asking for trouble. If the term "watch" is a core component of any neighborhood group, then watching should be all they do. Calling the police should be the SOP for anyone suspicious, not taking the role of law enforcement.

**SmokenScion** · 07-30-13, 03:51 PM

But do actually want to propose a law that bars Watchmen from contacting Suspicious persons?

**SpecOpsScott** · 07-30-13, 07:49 PM

Here in NY, you do not have the right to carry outside of "Hunting and Target" purposes with your standard ccw permit. There is a special process for that and additional fees involved. (At least that is the case in Saratoga County). However, i used to carry frequently while working nights. My personal safety was more important to me than following the law.

**SpecOpsScott** · 07-30-13, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ranger10

While I am a strong proponent of personal carry licences, its under the auspices of personal defense and protection. Police cannot be everywhere, all the time. However, carrying a weapon as a member of the neighborhood watch is asking for trouble. If the term "watch" is a core component of any neighborhood group, then watching should be all they do. Calling the police should be the SOP for anyone suspicious, not taking the role of law enforcement.

I really have to agree. Just take the term "Neighborhood watch", it is in essence looking for trouble. The idea is to observe, and be seen observing in an attempt to discourage illegal activity in the first place. Its not the "Neighborhood Security Contractor force".

**Morningfrost** · 07-30-13, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Ranger10

While I am a strong proponent of personal carry licences, its under the auspices of personal defense and protection. Police cannot be everywhere, all the time. However, carrying a weapon as a member of the neighborhood watch is asking for trouble. If the term "watch" is a core component of any neighborhood group, then watching should be all they do. Calling the police should be the SOP for anyone suspicious, not taking the role of law enforcement.

I feel I have to agree. That being said....when it comes to guns I'm a hopeless contradiction. I have a CCW permit, but do not own a gun. I believe in the right to carry, but am not a fan of open carry.

I also don't think the neighborhood watch should be armed....and there is a reason for that. Generally, when someone is armed then psychologically they feel empowered and strong. I don't want my neighborhood watch feeling like that, because I think their only job should be to observe and report. Generally, it's far more likely that one would be non-confrontational and just "observe and report" if they are not also armed.

~Morningfrost

**CivilWars** · 07-31-13, 12:58 AM

When the rest of society follows all of the rules in regards to what rights they have, and more importantly what rights they do not have in regards to my person and property, then we can start discussing my right to bear arms.

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**Adretheon** · 07-31-13, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by SpecOpsScott

Its not the "Neighborhood Security Contractor force".

This got me thinking about this.

Teachers In Clarksville, Arkansas School District To Be Armed With Guns | digtriad.com

Now I think that this is a bit excessive, but it gets the point across. The teachers aren't just arming themselves with their personal guns. They are being trained as security guards. I think the same idea should be implemented for most cases of "work" related instances such as the watch.

**SmokenScion** · 07-31-13, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Adretheon

This got me thinking about this.

Teachers In Clarksville, Arkansas School District To Be Armed With Guns | digtriad.com

Now I think that this is a bit excessive, but it gets the point across. The teachers aren't just arming themselves with their personal guns. They are being trained as security guards. I think the same idea should be implemented for most cases of "work" related instances such as the watch.

But Neighborhood watch is a volunteer position. I'd be all for getting the National Guard or the Army to patrol our streets at night, that'd make us safe.