If I were on neighborhood watch and I was licensed to carry, I would do so.
Originally Posted by Spacemtn
And in doing so, you would be breaking a very fundamental rule of Neighborhood Watch...NO FIREARMS!
What sense would it make to not carry, given that you had gone to the effort and expense to get licensed. Think of how tragic it would be to be licensed, but you left your firearm at home and then ran into a situation where it could be needed, perhaps someone gets badly hurt or even killed and you could have prevented it if you had just had your firearm with you.
Spacemtn
AustinModStaff
Originally Posted by Spacemtn
As already mentioned, it would make perfect sense given the fact that carrying a firearm is against the rules of Neighborhood Watch. Tragic or not, Neighborhood Watch is to do just that,
watch and report, NOT INTERVENE! By 1. carrying a firearm, and 2. intervening in a situation he had no business intervening in, Zimmerman was BEGGING for trouble and as described "a ticking timebomb". No, the simple fact of carrying a firearm is not the sole reason, it's the circumstances under which he was carrying the firearm and ultimately behaving with it in his possession.
I can't find Sanford's rules specifically, but here's a sample of Neighborhood Watch rules from a town called Spring Mount in Pennsylvania. As you read this, you might start asking yourself why in the hell was Zimmerman involved with Neighborhood Watch at all? Apparently, it was an organization he knew absolutely nothing about, and based on his actions in the case, held a position within that organization he was absolutely clueless about performing.
1. DO NOT lay a hand on any individual except in self defense.
2. DO NOT get out of your vehicle except to visually investigate the extent of injuries to a crime or accident victim.
3. DO NOT render first aid to any victim unless certified by the Red Cross.
4. DO NOT perform any criminal or security investigative functions such as checking doors, searching between homes, etc.
5. DO NOT shine a light at any person or into the windows of any vehicle or occupied dwelling.
6. DO NOT discuss what you see or hear while on patrol. Do not cause discomfort or embarrassment to any individual. Federal Law prohibits disclosure of any information heard on the police or neighborhood watch radio.
7. DO NOT involve yourself in any way with the work of the Police at an emergency scene unless specifically ordered or requested otherwise by a Police Officer.
8. DO NOT become involved in high-speed pursuit of vehicles.
9. DO NOT have any weapon in your possession or in your vehicle while on Neighborhood Watch patrol, even if you are licensed to carry one. Your weapons are your eyes and ears.
10. DO NOT get near any person/s with a weapon in their hands (Police Officers or possible criminals). If you see any Police Officer with a drawn sidearm (gun) or shotgun, or with a tazer, etc. withdraw immediately to a safe location.
11. DO NOT violate and traffic regulation. Neighborhood Watch vehicles are not emergency vehicles.
12. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or drugs are to be consumed by Neighborhood Watch members on patrol.
The rules and regulations above have been formulated for the protection of all Neighborhood Watch volunteers and the success of the Neighborhood Watch program itself. Any violations of the Neighborhood Watch Rules and Regulations may result in disqualification from the program.
Your failure to observe these rules CAN result in:
* Personal Injuries
* Civil Liabilities
* Criminal Liabilities
* Interference with Critical Police Activities
* Loss of Community and Police Support for Neighborhood Watch
You can get involved in many situations not covered by these rules. You are responsible for using your own common sense and discipline while on patrol.
http://www.freewebs.com/springmountwatch/rules.htm