I'm getting concerned

[Ray Glenn]

For the first time, my wife has asked that I begin to open carry.

I inspect homes for mortgage companies, banks, City and State governments. Foreclosures are beginning to climb rapidly. I have key box codes that allow me access to homes that are supposed to be vacant. I've got two, owned by the bank that have people living inside. I've walked in on them several times. They always leave out a back door when I come in. I've moved to shouting before I walk in any door. Some of these people are drug addicts.

We know that one day, someone will make a stand. The two banks have OK'd my choice of protection and expect me to be armed. This will get much worse before it gets better. Police that have been called or seen me going around a house and have stopped me when they see the holster and the gun at my side. I have the credentials and the instructions concerning what I am doing and what the orders for entry and inspection are.

I am out of sight when I go inside ....I am out of sight when I go into the back yard.

I had one Officer stop and question me, then waited as I went inside and did my work. Coming out, he commented "You are braver than I would be." I countered "That or much more dumb on my part. I have to wade through personal items left behind and some of the most vile destruction imaginable." Then I toss a little humor "Kind of reminds me of my daughter's bedroom while she was growing up."

 

[timothyu]

Perhaps no one considers how things have changed without all those old westerns on tv to influence them which showed similar lifestyles.

 

[SkyWriting]

For the first time, my wife has asked that I begin to open carry.

I inspect homes for mortgage companies, banks, City and State governments. Foreclosures are beginning to climb rapidly. I have key box codes that allow me access to homes that are supposed to be vacant. I've got two, owned by the bank that have people living inside. I've walked in on them several times. They always leave out a back door when I come in. I've moved to shouting before I walk in any door. Some of these people are drug addicts.

We know that one day, someone will make a stand. The two banks have OK'd my choice of protection and expect me to be armed. This will get much worse before it gets better. Police that have been called or seen me going around a house and have stopped me when they see the holster and the gun at my side. I have the credentials and the instructions concerning what I am doing and what the orders for entry and inspection are.

I am out of sight when I go inside ....I am out of sight when I go into the back yard.

I had one Officer stop and question me, then waited as I went inside and did my work. Coming out, he commented "You are braver than I would be." I countered "That or much more dumb on my part. I have to wade through personal items left behind and some of the most vile destruction imaginable." Then I toss a little humor "Kind of reminds me of my daughter's bedroom while she was growing up."

It would be best if you wear some type of working uniform. I used to deliver oxygen and health supplies and could walk anywhere with no issues. A suit and tie would be a valid investment. If you avoid dressing in gang colors and avoid hitting on guys girlfriends, you should be completely safe.

I think open carry would convert you into target practice, but it's your call. Try it both ways and mentally record all interactions to help you decide which gets the better reaction.

 

[timothyu]

I think open carry would convert you into target practice, but it's your call.

I tend to agree. Is not the element of surprise in any situation when confronted the best option rather than advertising and giving someone the time to plan an assault accordingly?

 

[SkyWriting]

I tend to agree. Is not the element of surprise in any situation when confronted the best option rather than advertising and giving someone the time to plan an assault accordingly?

Would that be the best way to approach you and your weapon? If so, then do that.

 

[disciple Clint]

For the first time, my wife has asked that I begin to open carry.

I inspect homes for mortgage companies, banks, City and State governments. Foreclosures are beginning to climb rapidly. I have key box codes that allow me access to homes that are supposed to be vacant. I've got two, owned by the bank that have people living inside. I've walked in on them several times. They always leave out a back door when I come in. I've moved to shouting before I walk in any door. Some of these people are drug addicts.

We know that one day, someone will make a stand. The two banks have OK'd my choice of protection and expect me to be armed. This will get much worse before it gets better. Police that have been called or seen me going around a house and have stopped me when they see the holster and the gun at my side. I have the credentials and the instructions concerning what I am doing and what the orders for entry and inspection are.

I am out of sight when I go inside ....I am out of sight when I go into the back yard.

I had one Officer stop and question me, then waited as I went inside and did my work. Coming out, he commented "You are braver than I would be." I countered "That or much more dumb on my part. I have to wade through personal items left behind and some of the most vile destruction imaginable." Then I toss a little humor "Kind of reminds me of my daughter's bedroom while she was growing up."

A word of caution, if you shoot one of those people you are going to be sued and possibly charged with a crime, different states have different laws about a party in possession (legal or otherwise), you would be wise to check it out.

 

[Skye1300]

Wow, sounds like a scary job.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The mortgage companies will be liable, so go by what they tell you.

Word of advice, knock before entering, even houses that are suppose
to be empty.

 

[Ray Glenn]

A word of caution, if you shoot one of those people you are going to be sued and possibly charged with a crime, different states have different laws about a party in possession (legal or otherwise), you would be wise to check it out.

Already checked. The people discovered in these houses are not foreclosed on owners, in foreclosure nor are they relatives of the owner in foreclosure. They are trespassers. That puts them in a whole new category. As a representative of the bank I have the right to be in the property. I have one house in particular where the Master Bedroom is upstairs, I call out when I enter and can hear them leave out back door to and down the deck and stairs in the back. Each time in, I discover where the break in occurred and once again lock and check every window and external door for access.

I don't walk in with gun drawn looking for a fight. But have been informed by the police and the banks that if a trespasser has broken in and stands their ground ....I stand my ground with force. Each time I leave a house, all interior doors are left open. Closed doors tells me someone has or is there when I enter. I am not Wyatt Earp and the home is not the OK Corral. I try to offer a route of escape. If confronted, I will draw the gun and warn them about my official status legally, giving them the chance to simply walk away. The gun makes quite an impression.

I have another house, where the kid next door took me into the back of the home and showed me the missing sliding door. I've since had that fixed and still see evidence of people having been in the house. In that instance I encountered another inspector for a second mortgage company in default. We both saw our badges and identified ourselves before dropping our guard. We exchanged notes of what we've seen in the past in that house. I've got one on report where we have drug users using the house for drug parties. I know the neighbors are working with Police whenever they hear people inside the home.

 

[Ray Glenn]

It would be best if you wear some type of working uniform. I used to deliver oxygen and health supplies and could walk anywhere with no issues. A suit and tie would be a valid investment. If you avoid dressing in gang colors and avoid hitting on guys girlfriends, you should be completely safe.

I think open carry would convert you into target practice, but it's your call. Try it both ways and mentally record all interactions to help you decide which gets the better reaction.

Funny you said that. I typically see meter readers and meter pullers at convenience stores during the summer. We trade stories about our encounters. There is no uniform, however I have all the badges you would ever want to see displayed. A typical day involves zero human contact and never "hitting" on guy's girlfriends along the way. My God and wife would not appreciate that one bit. Suit and tie is not recommended because I am crawling over discarded personal goods when families leave in a hurry. Yards are not kept up and I have to search for HVAC compressors, meters and electrical connections. This is far from the best examples of decent human behavior.

 

[Always in His Presence]

Carry for protection - but carry concealed. That is my POV

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Carry for protection - but carry concealed. That is my POV

Without his employer's approval, he can and will be fired.

 

[Always in His Presence]

Without his employer's approval, he can and will be fired.

He already said he has permission.

 

[disciple Clint]

For the first time, my wife has asked that I begin to open carry.

I inspect homes for mortgage companies, banks, City and State governments. Foreclosures are beginning to climb rapidly. I have key box codes that allow me access to homes that are supposed to be vacant. I've got two, owned by the bank that have people living inside. I've walked in on them several times. They always leave out a back door when I come in. I've moved to shouting before I walk in any door. Some of these people are drug addicts.

We know that one day, someone will make a stand. The two banks have OK'd my choice of protection and expect me to be armed. This will get much worse before it gets better. Police that have been called or seen me going around a house and have stopped me when they see the holster and the gun at my side. I have the credentials and the instructions concerning what I am doing and what the orders for entry and inspection are.

I am out of sight when I go inside ....I am out of sight when I go into the back yard.

I had one Officer stop and question me, then waited as I went inside and did my work. Coming out, he commented "You are braver than I would be." I countered "That or much more dumb on my part. I have to wade through personal items left behind and some of the most vile destruction imaginable." Then I toss a little humor "Kind of reminds me of my daughter's bedroom while she was growing up."

Having thought about this for a moment, why not get a dog, K-9's are the best solution for shaking down a building, a couple of loud barks usually clears people out the back door.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

He already said he has permission.

OK I missed it.

Make sure it's in writing.

 

[Skye1300]

Having thought about this for a moment, why not get a dog, K-9's are the best solution for shaking down a building, a couple of loud barks usually clears people out the back door.

Good idea!

 

[Aldebaran]

For the first time, my wife has asked that I begin to open carry.

I inspect homes for mortgage companies, banks, City and State governments. Foreclosures are beginning to climb rapidly. I have key box codes that allow me access to homes that are supposed to be vacant. I've got two, owned by the bank that have people living inside. I've walked in on them several times. They always leave out a back door when I come in. I've moved to shouting before I walk in any door. Some of these people are drug addicts.

We know that one day, someone will make a stand. The two banks have OK'd my choice of protection and expect me to be armed. This will get much worse before it gets better. Police that have been called or seen me going around a house and have stopped me when they see the holster and the gun at my side. I have the credentials and the instructions concerning what I am doing and what the orders for entry and inspection are.

I am out of sight when I go inside ....I am out of sight when I go into the back yard.

I had one Officer stop and question me, then waited as I went inside and did my work. Coming out, he commented "You are braver than I would be." I countered "That or much more dumb on my part. I have to wade through personal items left behind and some of the most vile destruction imaginable." Then I toss a little humor "Kind of reminds me of my daughter's bedroom while she was growing up."

One piece of advice I could give is that you don't enter a home right away, but stay out on the street in your car for several minutes while closely watching the house's windows for movement of people inside. If you see any, then call the police to report trespassers/home invaders. Tell them that your job is to enter the home, but you fear for your safety and are letting the police do their job so you can safely do yours. This way, the police will be the first ones to go inside and confront/arrest the intruders instead of you having to deal with them.

 

[Ray Glenn]

To add to the points so far.

There is no employer. I am the employer and the boss of this service. There are different levels of what each customer requests me to do. The majority of time, I do not carry. Alabama has added a Constitutional Carry right for the state. Permits are not required. Though I carry concealed permits. I encounter guns at least twice a month. Insured doesn't answer the door. I have outside inspection services around the house. Owner meets me in the backyard with a gun in hand. No one has pointed a gun yet. Fingers off the triggers. You can tell by that, I faced enough guns to be confident in what I am actually facing. Once explained the home owner, backs down. If no one is home and if there is not something in a backyard big enough to eat me or be a threat, I enter the backyard. I have only been attacked by a pack of unleashed dogs twice. I get back into the car, write it up and the insurance gets cancelled if the owner admits they were their dogs that were unleashed or not fenced. I also have a sense of humor about this. No one answered when I rang the doorbell (You can hear one if it works) They did not answer the knock. Outside only in this case. I got to the back and get encountered by woman that went out the front door and snuck in behind me. "What are you doing?" I explained and noticed she had a phone in one hand and her other hand behind her back. She had to see the order ticket to be convinced, I extended my clipboard, she pulled her hand behind her back, holding a butcher knife, gave me the knife and took the clipboard. Convinced, she handed me the clipboard back. I then pointed out "You handed a stranger, your knife, it makes no sense." "My neighbor across the street is one the other end of the phone. She knows you are an inspector. My husband will furious when I tell him this afternoon, because I came out find out what you were doing." I told her "I won't tell if you don't tell and I'll wave to your neighbor and if she won't tell we are all good to go."

Regarding calling the police. My Dad ran a Western Union Store that was on the edge of Clearwater, FL. No stores in Clearwater. Once or twice a month I would get a call on Saturday. "Bring your gun." I knew we needed both of us to carry. The reason? The Church (not recognized) of Scientology was wire transferring $100,000 or more to Swiss Bank accounts. All in cash. The police would not provide protection for the trip from the store to the bank,

Just like the Clearwater police, local police do not provide calls to a residence to look over my shoulder as I enter a bank owned property, and I don't time to wait 45-60 minutes for them to show up, if they do. My time is valuable and as I have said. When I take the keys out of the lock box and open the door, I purposely yell to give anyone inside, the opportunity to leave before going inside, shutting and locking the door behind me.

 

[Aldebaran]

To add to the points so far.

There is no employer. I am the employer and the boss of this service. There are different levels of what each customer requests me to do. The majority of time, I do not carry. Alabama has added a Constitutional Carry right for the state. Permits are not required. Though I carry concealed permits. I encounter guns at least twice a month. Insured doesn't answer the door. I have outside inspection services around the house. Owner meets me in the backyard with a gun in hand. No one has pointed a gun yet. Fingers off the triggers. You can tell by that, I faced enough guns to be confident in what I am actually facing. Once explained the home owner, backs down. If no one is home and if there is not something in a backyard big enough to eat me or be a threat, I enter the backyard. I have only been attacked by a pack of unleashed dogs twice. I get back into the car, write it up and the insurance gets cancelled if the owner admits they were their dogs that were unleashed or not fenced. I also have a sense of humor about this. No one answered when I rang the doorbell (You can hear one if it works) They did not answer the knock. Outside only in this case. I got to the back and get encountered by woman that went out the front door and snuck in behind me. "What are you doing?" I explained and noticed she had a phone in one hand and her other hand behind her back. She had to see the order ticket to be convinced, I extended my clipboard, she pulled her hand behind her back, holding a butcher knife, gave me the knife and took the clipboard. Convinced, she handed me the clipboard back. I then pointed out "You handed a stranger, your knife, it makes no sense." "My neighbor across the street is one the other end of the phone. She knows you are an inspector. My husband will furious when I tell him this afternoon, because I came out find out what you were doing." I told her "I won't tell if you don't tell and I'll wave to your neighbor and if she won't tell we are all good to go."

Regarding calling the police. My Dad ran a Western Union Store that was on the edge of Clearwater, FL. No stores in Clearwater. Once or twice a month I would get a call on Saturday. "Bring your gun." I knew we needed both of us to carry. The reason? The Church (not recognized) of Scientology was wire transferring $100,000 or more to Swiss Bank accounts. All in cash. The police would not provide protection for the trip from the store to the bank,

Just like the Clearwater police, local police do not provide calls to a residence to look over my shoulder as I enter a bank owned property, and I don't time to wait 45-60 minutes for them to show up, if they do. My time is valuable and as I have said. When I take the keys out of the lock box and open the door, I purposely yell to give anyone inside, the opportunity to leave before going inside, shutting and locking the door behind me.

Without help from the police, I would recommend having a partner that accompanies you. Being alone (armed or not) could easily have you outnumbered. I realize it would mean having to hire someone, or maybe even two, but would give you more eyes on the situation you're walking into.

 

[Ray Glenn]

Without help from the police, I would recommend having a partner that accompanies you. Being alone (armed or not) could easily have you outnumbered. I realize it would mean having to hire someone, or maybe even two, but would give you more eyes on the situation you're walking into.

Well noted. I've thought about having a second at hand. It's what my Father and I did in Clearwater. That was because the bank drop held $100,000 plus and we afraid that someone would catch on when their car left the Fort Harrison Hotel with four men inside all carrying briefcases.

Right now it works with a shout. Anyone inside leaves however they came in. Usually a window or a door.