tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post825053926108413860..comments2024-02-24T05:11:30.646-06:00Comments on The Director's Desk: Guns here and thereTom Casadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-23057991317870325012009-01-04T11:59:00.000-06:002009-01-04T11:59:00.000-06:00A year late and a dollar short.....I live in S.O. ...A year late and a dollar short.....<BR/><BR/>I live in S.O. where there is no police protection, so my gun(s)must be ready for protection! And I personally believe that a person has a right to carry a concealed weapon. It is mostly ignorant liberals and Elitist police that don't want folks, like me, to protect me or my family. Sorry Chief, I have a lot of respect for you, but you are chiming the OPD gong on this one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-38080902262981347652008-01-09T16:02:00.000-06:002008-01-09T16:02:00.000-06:00Ain't it the truth? Minds are like parachutes. B...Ain't it the truth? Minds are like parachutes. Both work best when open.<BR/><BR/>Interesting link for every thoughtfully engaged citizen out there.<BR/><BR/>http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080106/NEWS06/801060602/1001/NEWSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-74585530912190044862008-01-09T11:30:00.000-06:002008-01-09T11:30:00.000-06:00Yes, that's how I took it, Amazed. Thanks. Keep t...Yes, that's how I took it, Amazed. Thanks. Keep thinking about these issues, we need more citizens who are thoughtfully engaged in the discussion.Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-8078308937480472552008-01-09T10:35:00.000-06:002008-01-09T10:35:00.000-06:00Chief my comment was with you not @ you = ) I watc...Chief my comment was with you not @ you = ) I watch Channel 5, and know your views on these issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-56136686937846554612008-01-07T12:58:00.000-06:002008-01-07T12:58:00.000-06:00I tend to agree with the Chief here. As gunowners,...I tend to agree with the Chief here. <BR/><BR/>As gunowners, it is our responsibility safely secure our firearms.<BR/><BR/>Trigger locks, as has been pointed out, as pretty much worthless in the case of burglary. Firmly secured safes are the way to go. The gremlin who in the Von Maur shootings had plenty of time to pop a trigger lock off. <BR/><BR/>As for the AK, the 7.62x39mm round it fires is identical in ballistics to the venerable .30-30 round that has likely been used to kill more deer in this country than any other. <BR/><BR/>The AR makes a wonderful deer rifle, in the appropriate caliber (6.8mm) and a good varmint/coyote rifle in its native .223.<BR/><BR/>Where the chief and I differ (and always have) is in our belief of citizen self-protection. <BR/><BR/>I can understand his concern about officers encountering armed people. <BR/><BR/>I am, however, greatly unconcerned about that. I am concerned about waking up the next morning. So I have gone through all the training, paperwork, vetting, hassle, and expense. <BR/><BR/>Guns are metal, polymer, and wood. No different than any other inanimate object. What they are used for is solely up the discretion of the user. I apologize for putting words in your mouth, sir, but I think the chief agrees with that. <BR/><BR/>The stance he takes, and that I wholeheartedly support, is that lawful gunowners need to do our part to ensure OUR guns don't end up in the hands of a user with bad intentions.Joe Merchant24https://www.blogger.com/profile/07339086169062396440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-50396179716888333362008-01-06T09:27:00.000-06:002008-01-06T09:27:00.000-06:00Well Chief, After some research I discovered in 19...Well Chief, After some research I discovered in 1994, a sergeant had his firearm and shield stolen from his personal vehicle. In approx 99, an officer had several guns stolen from his home during a burglary. Around 2002, an officer had his weapon stolen from a UNLOCKED public locker at a private gym. Most recently, didn't an officer leave his gun and duty belt unattended in public, which ended up in the hands of a transient?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-41689068267420162932008-01-05T12:12:00.000-06:002008-01-05T12:12:00.000-06:00I don't expect the police to protect me or my prop...I don't expect the police to protect me or my property 24/7, nor do I consider that their job. It's <I>my</I> job to do that, including being vigilant, observant, and avoiding risky situations, among other precautions. Three things are necessary for a criminal to complete a crime; motivation, ability, and opportunity. Refuse to provide the opportunity, and crime will be greatly reduced. Living smart doesn't mean living boring, it means looking out for yourself, your loved ones, and your neighbors.<BR/><BR/>Leaving vehicles loaded and unlocked. Here are a couple of thefts from last month, where they also left the vehicles unlocked, in addition to loading them up with attractive swag:<BR/><BR/>NE A 191 LARC-FROM MOTOR VEH 1044 12-17-2007 8500 BLOCK SUNRIDGE RD A7-134104 ITEMS TAKEN FROM UNLOCKED VEHICLE BY UNKNOWN PR(S) DUCK HUNTING BLINDS/CLOTHING/AMMUNITION/DUCK DECOY/HUNTING LICENSE<BR/><BR/>SE B 106 LARC-FROM MOTOR VEH 1116 12-17-2007 4400 BLOCK PRESCOTT AVE A7-134115 VEH POSS LFT UNLOCKED PARKED AT ABOV LOC/ITEMS REMOVED LAPTOP COMPUTER/SHOTGUN/BB SHOTSHELLS/GOOSE CALL/CLOTHING/DUFFEL BAG<BR/><BR/>The second one is a short hop from an LPD substation, but not within sight of it, but that means they can quickly come and investigate the crime that you could have discouraged or prevented. Any area with a check-cashing place (always a bad omen when one springs up in your neighborhood, kids) is nowhere to let your guard down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-43655089503049819772008-01-05T09:02:00.000-06:002008-01-05T09:02:00.000-06:00I keep my firearms locked up whenever unattended, ...I keep my firearms locked up whenever unattended, be it at home or in the vehicle. Good safes aren't cheap but I don't want my firearms to end up in the hands of thieves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-38891947614088035262008-01-05T08:52:00.000-06:002008-01-05T08:52:00.000-06:00Jan 5 Anonymous,You are prone to severe general sw...Jan 5 Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>You are prone to severe general sweeping generalizations. I own one of those evil "assault rifles". It's black and everything. It's a great coyote hunting gun. It goes "bang" one time everytime I pull the trigger one time, just like the 22 rifles I also own and the shotguns I use for trapshooting. The AR is just cosmetically challenged is all. It functions no differently than the guns I own that are currently socially acceptable.<BR/><BR/>Hunting with handguns happens all the time. They are very challenging to shoot accurately compared to a long gun and since most all of them are ballistically inferior to rifles, the hunter must actually use stealth and REAL hunting abilities to use them ethically. Plus handguns make an excellent backup for those of us who pursue large dangerous game, like Alaskan brown bears. <BR/><BR/>Concealed carry is now legal in 48 states. 16 other states honor Nebraska's permit within the bounds of their state lines. <BR/><BR/>Concealed carry has been the law of the land in Nebraska for over a year now. Where has it been a problem, here or anywhere else? <BR/><BR/><BR/>When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-13303254328047815942008-01-05T08:35:00.000-06:002008-01-05T08:35:00.000-06:00Amazed-I'm not sure you were looking for a respons...Amazed-<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure you were looking for a response so much as making a statement, but I do appreciate your time, and I am sorry about what happened to your friend.<BR/><BR/>I don't pretend to have all the solutions for gun violence. I didn't think having more people carrying guns was it, which is why I was personally opposed to concealed carry. My bigger concern, though has always been the easy access the bad guys have to guns--both legally (through loopholes) and illegally.<BR/><BR/>While I think trigger locks are a great idea (we issue them to all our officers), I don't think they will prevent burglary and theft of guns. It's pretty easy to defeat a trigger lock in the comfort of your basement with a screwdriver and vice grips--which won't deter a thief. A gun safe is much better, but frankly just a LOCKED DOOR and some COMMON SENSE would prevent a lot of the ones we experience here in Lincoln. <BR/><BR/>Since this post is getting a lot of attention, here's my thoughts on the better alternative to trigger locks or none at all that those of you keeping a handguns at home, here's the <A HREF="http://gunvault.com/displayroom/" REL="nofollow">style</A> I like. Several companies make nice electronic handgun vaults. The key-only variety are not my choice. <BR/><BR/>If you have children, keep the override key in your office, not at home. I assure you that any 14 year old worth his salt can find the hidden key is, and a few other things that Moms and Dads think are hidden. <BR/><BR/>I could tell you some stories....Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-47393475506691640962008-01-05T08:19:00.000-06:002008-01-05T08:19:00.000-06:00Dear 10:49 a.m. on Jan 4--Yep, I hadn't been think...Dear 10:49 a.m. on Jan 4--<BR/><BR/>Yep, I hadn't been thinking about that one specifically, because it was more like given away than stolen. <BR/><BR/>The charges against the defendant, by the way, were dismissed in State court, but filed as felon in possession in Federal court, where the case is pending. <BR/><BR/>When you're looking at the County Attorney's database, keep in mind that it's only the cases handled by the County Attorney. City and Federal prosecutions (as well as other counties) are not in it.Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-75879311956571268022008-01-05T07:57:00.000-06:002008-01-05T07:57:00.000-06:00Dear Mr Cassidy,All the guns that were stolen from...Dear Mr Cassidy,<BR/><BR/>All the guns that were stolen from the Scheels business had one flaw. The guns were not required to have gun locks on all of the triggers. If we mandated trigger locks on all firearms in Lancaster County, wouldn't this prevent some of these issues we have?<BR/><BR/>I understand that the criminals could then just drill off the locks and have their way then, but it would with no doubt present more difficulty. <BR/><BR/>The man who stole the firearm in the mall rampage for example. If there was a gun lock on the AK-47, would he have been able to do what he did? Im guessing the drug addict would have deemed it too much trouble.<BR/><BR/>What would it hurt, for this city to require trigger locks on all firearms? In store sales, in home, or anywhere for that matter should be required to have a trigger lock's on all these firearms. <BR/><BR/>My guess is if these guns that had been stolen, would have had a trigger lock on them, a few if not all of them would have been discarded as useless.<BR/><BR/>We as a community need to take action to try and stop some of these tragedies from happening in the future. Requirement of trigger locks is one, but a serious step we could take to try and stop any of these terrible events from happening again.<BR/><BR/>The trigger lock was invented when The Nation had gun control in its focus. Much of the Country never used this device we created to its advantage.<BR/><BR/>SO trigger locks, trigger locks, trigger locks!!!!!<BR/><BR/>ALSO one other comment. NOBODY hunts with firearms like the AK-47, or countless other guns available on the market, so again remind me why we allow them to be sold?<BR/><BR/>My friend was shot point blank by a 9mm to the head. He is living today, but not doing so great. Some gangsta thought he would be cool taking a gun to a party his woman was at, to make a stance. This is they type of events these firearms are used for. <BR/><BR/>Whens the last time you loaded up your handgun to go hunting Chief? <BR/><BR/>How much longer is the public going to accept handguns? <BR/><BR/>I understand the use of handguns for personnel, but why does the general public need them?<BR/><BR/>Why did we approve them to be concealed again?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-89682433438374194932008-01-04T21:12:00.000-06:002008-01-04T21:12:00.000-06:00Chinese Buffet? You've got me stumped on that oneChinese Buffet? <BR/><BR/>You've got me stumped on that oneNE CCW Traininghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06758744887925549149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-50202460387869235912008-01-04T20:32:00.000-06:002008-01-04T20:32:00.000-06:00I grew up in one of those Utopian communities that...I grew up in one of those Utopian communities that are very rare nowadays. All of us farm kids carried a loaded shotgun either in the trunk of our cars during hunting season or in a gun rack in the pickup and left them parked, unlocked and unattended on the High School parking lot. I never heard of any guns ever being stolen. Guns were everywhere. Even the city kids <BR/>(2,500 pop.) went hunting. Fist fights were common but other than a few loose teeth and a black eye I never heard of anyone seriously injured. Thieves and bad manners were not tolerated. I was born in 1946 and the community I am talking about was in Eastern Colorado. However I would be willing to bet that Lincoln in the late 1950's was similar to my hometown even though it is fifty times larger. We live in a different world today.<BR/><BR/>Hey Zeeb. Good to see you here. Have you been to the Chinese buffet lately?<BR/><BR/>Big ChiefAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-26064434576409652952008-01-04T20:06:00.000-06:002008-01-04T20:06:00.000-06:00I've said before that if I ever have a gripe about...I've said before that if I ever have a gripe about the Chief he does his job, I'll put it in a snail mail letter with my full contact info and mail it to his office at LPD, not post it on an blog comment thread. Until then, I'll keep posting this way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-24784334353508859912008-01-04T19:39:00.000-06:002008-01-04T19:39:00.000-06:00I understand that, Chris.I understand that, Chris.Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-67568913966210380812008-01-04T19:30:00.000-06:002008-01-04T19:30:00.000-06:00Chief- You are right, firearms owners absolutely n...Chief- You are right, firearms owners absolutely need to better secure their firearms to make it more difficult for them to fall into the wrong hands. <BR/><BR/>However firearms owners are sick and tired of being attacked by the news media, politicians and police chiefs, who often tend to blame us for the gun violence on the street. We get punished by all of these ridiculous laws that keep piling up on the books. We know the bad guys aren't following them, so who are these laws made for?<BR/><BR/>Why so many anonymous posters here? You guys afraid to post your real name?NE CCW Traininghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06758744887925549149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-26564181144156193192008-01-04T16:26:00.000-06:002008-01-04T16:26:00.000-06:0011:43--Of course she's not, and there is no such i...11:43--<BR/><BR/>Of course she's not, and there is no such implication in my post! <BR/><BR/>I react strongly when people read their own preconceived notions about <I>what I think</I> into what I <I>did not say, and do <B>not</B> think!</I> If I bit back too hard, please accept my apology.<BR/><BR/>Read the other 146 blogs posts I've authored, and you will find a recycling theme about crime prevention practices that can reduce exposure to residential garage burglary, larceny from auto, apartment patio door burglary, GPS theft, home invasions, and others. No difference.Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-29863040888078482832008-01-04T15:55:00.000-06:002008-01-04T15:55:00.000-06:00"What part of that is so hard to understand?"Its n..."What part of that is so hard to understand?"<BR/><BR/>Its not that the post was hard to understand, it just implies that there is an excuse for the criminals doing what they did, that somehow the law-abiding citizen is also to blame. And its not necessarily about guns either, as Anon 1:02 pointed out.<BR/><BR/>Just wondering; if a woman is very scantily dressed and intoxicated, is she to blame when she is raped?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-34601836682026655772008-01-04T13:02:00.000-06:002008-01-04T13:02:00.000-06:00I think you mean that you shouldn't make your pers...I think you mean that you shouldn't make your person or property a soft target for criminals. In an ideal world, there would be no crime, but Utopia this will never be. Guns (and I'm a multiple-gun owner, for what it's worth) are a highly preferred loot type of burglars, right up there with cash and quality jewelry.<BR/><BR/>One of the things you deal with when you drive an SUV (which I do), or any trunkless vehicle, is that it's hard to hide any non-tiny cargo from view. Even if you cover it, it's obvious that something is there. You just don't leave anything in there worth stealing, covered or not. If you do, you make your vehicle and swag a softer target.<BR/><BR/>Again, we don't live in Utopia (and no one ever will, a point missed by those that use the term without understanding its literary origin). If you have to load your vehicle for a hunting trip, pull it in the garage, close and lock the garage door, and load up. Leave it there until you depart, and don't worry about waking up the family at 4 am when you fire up the truck and leave - they've awakened you many times anyway. <BR/><BR/>Parking a gear-loaded SUV, hatchback, or any other not-visibly-empty vehicle outside anywhere for any length of time is your right, but it's just dumb to do it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-47882284395837974482008-01-04T12:21:00.000-06:002008-01-04T12:21:00.000-06:00Anonymous 11:43--No, I'm saying no such thing. It...Anonymous 11:43--<BR/><BR/>No, I'm saying <I><B>no such thing</I></B>. It's not the victim's fault. I'm simply saying the obvious: if gun owners <I>like me</I> do a better job keeping our guns secure, it will make it more difficult for burglars and thieves to relieve us of them. A locked window is better than just a screen. A closed and locked garage door is better than an open one. Waiting until <A HREF="http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2007/11/14/news/local/doc4739c0c76bc6b883617649.txt" REL="nofollow">tomorrow morning</A> to load up your gear for the hunting trip is better than leaving it all in your pickup tonight. What part of that is so hard to understand?Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-67792194230951562922008-01-04T11:43:00.000-06:002008-01-04T11:43:00.000-06:00...Let me get this straight Chief:Criminals are us......Let me get this straight Chief:<BR/><B>Criminals</B> are using stolen guns in illegal and/or careless ways, but it is the <B>law abiding</B> gun owners' collective fault that these guns are in the hands of these criminals?<BR/><BR/>Um, okay Chief. Talk about misplacing the blame.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-52746785374413663882008-01-04T11:12:00.000-06:002008-01-04T11:12:00.000-06:00Do you really have a Junior Detective badge?I woul...Do you really have a Junior Detective badge?<BR/><BR/>I would like to get one for myself so I can give to my neighbor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-30917903546307999422008-01-04T10:49:00.000-06:002008-01-04T10:49:00.000-06:00Here's the one that first came to mind. Fortunatel...Here's <A HREF="URLHERE" REL="nofollow">the one</A> that first came to mind. Fortunately, it was recovered quickly, but it undoubtedly prompted stern attention from the relevant team Captain, if not higher up as well, and probably a reminder for all to keep control of their duty gear.<BR/><BR/>Both charges against Mr. Livings were dismissed, case closed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7225570644228196036.post-81902270636474482372008-01-04T10:16:00.000-06:002008-01-04T10:16:00.000-06:00Well, I can only think of one right at the moment-...Well, I can only think of one right at the moment--about a decade ago. I don't doubt there have been others, but you'd have to refresh my memory. <BR/><BR/>The need to carefully secure firearms applies to any gun owner, police officers included.Tom Casadyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03188041481309059441noreply@blogger.com