County workers carrying guns? NM Otero County

[kenichol]

Personally, I think Rardin is trying to get attention.
County workers carrying guns?
Rardin proposes changes to Otero County's personnel policy to include open carry at work
Alamogordo Daily News
By Laura London, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/19/2009 12:00:00 AM MST

Otero County Commission chairman Ronny Rardin is proposing changes to the county's personnel policy that would allow county employees to open carry a weapon to work.

The commission conducted a public hearing about possible amendments during its regular meeting Thursday night, and discussion focused on the part of the policy that says employees cannot bring firearms to work.

Rardin said the policy currently states employees can be fired if they're found to have a gun in their car if it's parked on county property, which he said is illegal search and seizure and unconstitutional.

Virginia Blansett, county detention administrator, pointed out the section of the policy immediately after weapons titled "Workplace violence." It states the county provides a safe work place for all employees. Further down in the same section, she noted the policy advises employees to inform their superiors if any other employee shows signs of potentially dangerous behavior, including discussing weapons in a threatening manner or bringing them to the work place.

Rardin said he hadn't noticed that part.
http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_14029992

[TPaine7]

1. That's a bold claim

...it states the county provides a safe work place for all employees.

Am I to understand that the county is prepared to cover all expenses involved in resurrecting an unarmed employee who is killed in a workplace crime?! Or are they saying that they can stop violence 100% of the time?

Does God work there, or do they have him on retainer?

[JonQ]

2. I really don't see the issue with this

there have been no indications that similiar policies have increased gun violence in the least.

[kenichol]

5. Are there similar policies elsewhere?

I haven't been able to find evidence of that. I see more guns as equaling more deaths by firearms. I think, too, that if a thief knows there's a good chance of a vehicle having a gun inside, they are more likely to break in & steal guns.

[pipoman]

6. More guns absolutely, and demonstrably do not equal more

"deaths by firearms". The statistics are in. The US has been declining for nearly 20 years in firearms deaths. During that same 20 years the US has gone from 2 or 3 concealed carry states to over 40. Not to mention that, as I've said before 'guns are not made of meat, they don't rot', so necessarily every single day there are more guns than the day before and yet firearms deaths has been in decline for 20 years. The 'more guns = more gun death' is simply erroneous.

[virginia mountainman]

3. Do county employees somehow loose the ability to defend themselves?

When they take a government job??

I am in agreement with this policy! No one is being "MADE" to carry a gun, it just allows those that do want to, to carry, within the confines of state law.

Very sensible policy.

[proteus_lives]

4. I don't have a problem with it.

They should allow them if the employees wish so.