Navigating the complexities of personal protection at work involves balancing legal requirements and workplace policies. Ensuring your self-defense measures comply with local laws and respect the comfort of your colleagues is essential.
Understanding Legal Requirements
Before carrying a concealed weapon at work, familiarize yourself with state and local laws. Ensure you possess the necessary permits and licenses. While many states permit concealed carry at work, specific locations may be off-limits. If you work in such a restricted area, carrying a firearm will not be permitted.
Additionally, while states cannot prevent employers from restricting concealed carry at the workplace, it’s crucial to check your employer’s policies. In states where concealed carry permits are issued, businesses must inform employees if carrying firearms at work is prohibited. If unclear, consult your HR department for clarification.
Approaching the Topic with Your Employer
Discussing firearms policies with your employer can be sensitive. Start by addressing your immediate supervisor, depending on your workplace’s chain of command. Emphasize that your goal is personal protection, not a political statement.
You may encounter arguments against concealed carry at work, such as concerns about safety, the necessity of firearms in the building, reliance on police or security, and the potential for increased violence.
- Safety Concerns: Highlight studies and FBI crime statistics indicating that violent crime has decreased in states with concealed carry laws.
- Necessity: Point out that workplace shootings do occur, and unarmed employees are defenseless in such scenarios. Immediate action is crucial during an attack.
- Police and Security: Note that police response times are often slow, and security guards may not be armed or could be targeted first in an attack.
- Violence Concerns: Ask why an employee deemed potentially violent was hired in the first place. Emphasize that concealed carry policies can include strict rules against brandishing firearms unnecessarily.
Practical Tips for Concealed Carry at Work
To ensure coworkers are not uncomfortable, choose a firearm that balances concealability and firepower. Consider factors like size, weight, and ease of use. Test various holsters and carry positions (e.g., appendix, inside-the-waistband, ankle) to find what works best for you. Practice drawing and holstering your firearm to develop familiarity and muscle memory.
Concealment Strategies
Consider off-body carry options like a specially designed briefcase or day planner. These can be locked in a desk drawer for security when not in use. Alternatively, keeping your firearm in your vehicle may be an option, provided you comply with state laws regarding loaded firearms in cars and employer policies.
Alternatives When Firearms Are Prohibited
If your employer prohibits concealed carry, consider other self-defense tools like pepper spray or Byrna pepper pellet launcher. Ensure you are trained in using any alternative device you choose.
In the event of an active shooter, use common office items to defend yourself.
This should be items like fire extinguisher, scissors, or a pen to the eye and throat. Don’t do anything overly stupid like throw objects such as a garbage can, or stapler…. A chair might be used to create an immediate distraction and allow time to escape, but we’re talking fractions of a second (which who knows, this could be the difference that matters).
Essential Considerations
While the ability to carry a concealed weapon at work can enhance personal and colleague safety, it’s important to recognize that not all coworkers may be comfortable with firearms. Discreetly carry your firearm and maintain open communication to foster a safe and respectful workplace environment.
By staying informed about legalities, obtaining proper training, and practicing responsible carry, you can navigate workplace concealed carry with confidence and ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Stay Lethal My Friends,
Joe Malone