Question: When can a police officer take out their gun?
Answer: Other than the obvious (training at the range, cleaning, etc), A police officer can remove his/her duty weapon at any time they believe the weapon may be needed for such situation. For example, when stopping a suspected felon, the potential for violence is higher than stopping an elderly person for running a stop sign. There are numerous other situations that officers take their weapons out, including building searches, contacting robbery suspects, and others. In most cases an officer will only remove their duty weapon from their holster if the possiblity of serious injury or death may occur to another person or themselves.
Within reason, an officer may take out his gun any time he believes he may face a violent threat. However, the officer must be prepared to answer any questions and justify his actions.
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