Should Appraisers Carry Weapons on the Job?
Individual right to possess and carry firearms
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the rights of individuals to keep and bear arms. In the twenty-first century, the amendment has been subjected to renewed academic inquiry and judicial interest. In District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), the Supreme Court handed down a landmark decision, expressly holding the amendment to protect an individual right to possess and carry firearms. In McDonald v. Chicago (2010), the Court clarified its earlier decisions that limited the amendment’s impact to a restriction on the federal government, expressly holding that the Fourteenth Amendment applies the Second Amendment to state and local governments to the same extent that the Second Amendment applies to the federal government.
All this to say that it is our right to carry (under permit/license) by law, self-protection firearms or similar devices. If I accept an assignment in a questionable part of town, part of my tools to carry out my job in relative safety, may require taking the precaution of packing a firearm.
With that said, I respect those properties that have occupied residences that would not want to have someone they don’t know, walk into their home carrying a firearm. We do want to show common sense here people. That doesn’t mean that my protection is not at least in my car parked on the side of the road (and not on their property) if I feel threatened.
While few and far between over the years, Appraisers have found themselves in situations that, if properly prepared, would have prevented serious consequences.
I know that if I enter an abandon house, I am taking a chance on some deranged out of sorts personality being firm in the idea that someone is out to get them. And that could just be me. Whether it’s a drug induced person, a disgruntled homesteader, criminals seeing what is available, or any number of scenarios that I can’t begin to imagine, I don’t think my family wants me to not come home that night.
My desire to live and my desire to be alive for those that love me far outweighs taking the “odds” that nothing will happen.
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A concealed weapon is no one’s business except the carrier. So long as no one gives you any trouble, it’ll stay that way. Everyone needs to start minding their own business a little more.
It is your right!!
Only when they have an appointment to meet with “Bugs” to turn hand over their monthly pay to play extortion money.
Only if you need one. Alaska? Maybe. I appraise in bad areas a lot. Never needed one, even in gang areas. Honestly though, Id prefer to have the ability to have one loaded and handy in case I’m ever in a Reginald Denny situation. In the meantime, if I’m ever caught in a riot, I’m driving over anyone blocking my car.