[amlevin]

Attached is an article from a local newspaper that covered a Washington State Supreme Court ruling. In short, the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department took over 15 minutes to respond to a situation that ended in the homeowner shooting an intruder. One has to ask how much damage the intruder could have done to the occupant(s) if someone on the premises wasn't armed.

For those out there that believe nobody but Police should carry weapons I ask, "what do you do when they are the only ones with guns and they don't show up?". Improvise? Play Charades? Engage a deranged individual in meaningful conversation?

http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/05/23/100loc_b1suit001.cfm

This should be among the required reading articles for all those that believe in the ability of Law Enforcement to protect us. They do what they can but no Department can be expected to have someone on the scene within the critical first moments of an incident like the one reported.

For some reason, those that want to take guns from the hands of the citizens also refuse to give the necessary funds to Police Departments to increase their presence and reduce response times. This same Sheriff's Department is currently fighting with a liberal county executive for adequate funding to bring his force up to the same level as other departments (# of deputies per thousand of population).

 

[amlevin]

Response Times vary widely

What's the average response time nationwide? Does anybody know?

Response times will vary so widely across the nation that any "average" will be meaningless. In Snohomish County, WA which was where the lawsuit was filed, the county has a population equal to the entire state of North Dakota. Here, according to the court, a 15 minute response time is not unreasonable. In some rural areas 30 minutes plus may be reasonable. Attached is an article from the Washington Times that compares some response times across the country for major cities.
http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20040510-122711-8996r.htm
It would appear that the best response time to a Priority 1 call is a few seconds over 5 minutes. These times are from call receipt to fficer on scene". How long does it then take the officer to make it from car to complainant? (See earlier post)

Whenever anyone hears a public official say that people should rely on "9-1-1", they should immediately respond with "but who takes care of us until they get here"?

If we look at actual events, the entire Columbine Massacre took place in less than 10 minutes of actual shooting. (About the total playing time of "Stairway to Heaven") There was an officer on scene when it began.

When we are told that we don't need carry permits and the state either refuses to issue them, or makes it "At the option of the CLEO" put it back in the laps of the elected "representatives (???)" and ask them if they are going to accept the responsiblity for protecting us even though the courts say they don't.

In the meantime, it will not only be necessary for us to provide for our defense, but consider medical attention as well. Remember that 9-1-1 also sends the Aid Car and they to can't respond much faster than the police. How many out there carry weapons yet haven't taken the time to take a course in First Aid or CPR?

It has been said well in a short sentence "If it is to be, It's up to me"!!