Hi Yvonne,

The prevalence of people actually carrying guns is pretty low in relation to the overall population. Most people are still fairly intimidated when they see someone with a gun in public (open carry). The reality is that there are criminals who carry guns and are willing to shoot anyone who gets in their way, especially police officers.

Talking is a nice way to gain information and determine if there is a real threat. However, talking is not the most prudent course of action when an officer doesn’t know what he or she is dealing with. That is just too much of a luxury when one’s life could be in danger.