jeff: Considering the problems they are having with guns while on duty this isn't a very good idea.
I think police mishandling guns is a relatively rare event, and a codicil to keep guns & bullets separate at the games (until needed) a good tack.
Thanks for the input readers, and I've been having second thoughts & adding codicils, but I still think it would be OK to arm off duty cops at nfl games, in light of this isis threat & the rise of mass shootings.
NFL games are densely packed, and sensationalism is a motivation. Likely would've been done already (shootings) except for entry regulations & metal detectors.
Yes there are some problem cops whether trigger happy or too authoritative, but c'mon, most all are ok & competent and not George Zimmermans with a badge; if we can't trust those trained in firearm use who handle guns on a weekly basis to protect cities & towns, well let's not become paranoid towards law enforcement due the overreactions of the few.
The codicils might be to refrain from alcohol use (mandatory), to check in & out at a gate office, to keep gun & bullets separate, & to abstain from drawing gun to resolve drunk & disorderlies - in other words only to counter someone with a gun.
As much a gun control advocate as I am, I view it more like the airlines view armed security in flight - trained law enforcement in passive protection, incognito.
Another related view I have, is the developing opinion not to mention a mass shooter's name on TV so as not to give him publicity, in the effort to suppress the 'fame' & sensationalism as a motivation.
This, when the major tv networks (fox, cnn, msnbc et al) tend to devote well over half their airtime for DAYS to WEEKS to the mass shooting, replaying over & over & over the event, the casualty toll, the background history of the shooters, where they came from, & interviews with their friends, relatives & co workers.
Their name comes out once then it's out, and simply 'not naming them' by the media is no real suppression when the tv coverage is so encompassing of the event in itself.
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