CCW and Census Workers

[mnoe82]

I started working for the 2010 US Census this week. I'm did my final day of training today. Throughout the course I've been concerned about the lack of safety instruction about going door to door. I can't get into specifics because much of the text in the manuals and other paperwork isn't supposed to be viewed by the public. Suffices to say that there is information concerning what to do in case of car accidents, animal encounters (dog bites, etc), and people who are unwilling to cooperate or verbally threatening. There is no mention of self defense, only to say to leave the area immediately if you feel threatened.

I have read all of the documents provided to me several times looking for any specific instruction regarding weapons of any kind. Aside from tactics to get a dog to release you if bitten, there is no information on defending yourself in any of the material we were given. A girl in the class asked our instructor about pepper spray today and was told "I can't tell you to carry it, but if I were Enumerating (the position I have) I would want to be able to defend myself." Another person asked about a Tazer and was told "Well, that's really more of a weapon," but was not told no.

I live in a very rural part of the country and many people have little tolerance for government employees/intervention in their lives. This was moonshine country and I've lived here my whole life and heard stories about shotguns on the front porch, etc.

In no way do I want to be irresponsible with my CCW especially as a government employee. I did not specifically ask our supervisor yet because I wanted some advice on fellow CCW holders before I let anyone (especially my boss) know I carry a gun daily. Is there a statute or any information about government employees and CCW? Would you carry? Any other advice?

Thanks and sorry about the lengthy post.

[mnoe82]

I should clarify. My job is to go door to door to get census information who have not turned in their census form.

[Avenger29]

I'm pretty sure that CCW is not allowed for census workers. I seem to remember a similar discussion on another board a few months back.

Keep in mind you will be going on people's private property. This isn't CCWing on a trip into town.

Some states have laws against CCWing onto someone's private property w/o permission from the owner.

[l3mon]

its your right to carry and defend yourself,

worst case is you have to use your weapon and they find out, as long as it was provoked by the other person there is nothing they can do, thats clear-cut self defense, government employee or not. Most likely you wont need it and will be fine, and you will continue to go on without your boss knowing you carry.

besides, if its not written, its not a rule.

[Abraxas]

I'm pretty sure that CCW is not allowed for census workers. I seem to remember a similar discussion on another board a few months back.

Keep in mind you will be going on people's private property. This isn't CCWing on a trip into town.

Some states have laws against CCWing onto someone's private property w/o permission from the owner.

While you may be right, the concealed part coupled with a need for some sort of defense might influence some to carry anyway

[Alpha Sierra]

Why would anyone work for the fed.gov?

[Complication]

I can see the headlines now, "US Census Bureau worker shoots man dead."

If you decide to carry, I would be extremely extremely judicious about ever unholstering the weapon and concealment.

If anything does go down, there's likely going to be a giant shitstorm falling on your head as inaccurate but sensational headlines about Census workers "invading homes" and "murdering people" are great for ratings. And even if those stories are eventually replaced with accurate ones about the truth of the matter, it'll likely ruin your life. Any google search on your name will return the hundreds of initial news articles about your "murder."

That said, it's better to be alive with your life ruined than dead in the street.

Also, imagine what you'd do if some guy came knocking on your door with a Census Bureau bag and a pistol on his hip. Great cover for bad guys to get you to unlock the door. So make sure that under no circumstances could anyone possibly even see a hint of the gun.

And then there are all the legal issues. Someone mentioned some states having laws which might prohibit that.

I would definitely walk around with some sort of self defense. Personally I would opt for pepper spray or a tazer or something because it's going to be much more difficult to turn that into a life-ruining experience and yet it still provides you with some measure of self-defense.

The best defense of all, however, will probably be to remain in condition yellow when you go a-knockin.

[Jitterbug]

Why would anyone work for the fed.gov?

Best paying job in the new America.

[Abraxas]

I can't get into specifics because much of the text in the manuals and other paperwork isn't supposed to be viewed by the public.

I have to ask why? It is not like you are being trusted with national security secrets or running some black ops. For god sakes, all you are doing is asking for the number of people in a residence, how much top secret info can there be in your training? Now, I dont mean any of this sarcasm to you personally I know that you are just doing what you are told. I just have to wonder about what they are thinking is so special.

[citizensoldier16]

I would contact the Census Bureau directly and ask. Explain to them your situation and the demographic in which you live and work. They will be able to provide you an answer. Either way, ask them to provide you with documentation, or record the phone conversation.