Kirk H.
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,196
- Location
- Charlotte NC
Not so much anymore. It was more common for prosecutors to carry back when I started, but somewhere along the way most of us stopped. I think it has to do with how our jobs have changed during the last two decades. Years ago, ADAs were much more "hands on" in the investigation and arrest functions of law enforcement. I used to go on drug roundups and field interviews and even rode with the Troopers on Friday and Saturday nights. But the Courts have made it clear that our unqualified sovereign immunity doesn't begin until there's been a finding of probable cause. So nowadays, most prosecutors have become much more attorney and much less investigator. Personally, I miss the old days...but I still think it best to confine myself to my office or the courtroom. No more wrestling perps at two in the morning in the magistrates office for me.
BTW, there's actually nothing in the law that allows us to conceal a weapon because we are prosecutors. To carry legally, we need a permit just like every one else. Of course, back when I started things were much different. There was no such thing as a civilian concealed carry permit. Those of us who carried concealed weapons did so because there was nobody to tell us not to.
AF
It is funny how times change in different parts of the state. When I started 25 years ago the only time we would see the DA was when we would present the case for prosecution, or set up a long term drug investigation that would go on for months where multiple arrests were expected or in the court room. Now there is an ADA that responds to every serious shooting or homicide case. Seems things did seem a lot simpler back then. BTW perps still show out in front of the magistratel, some things don't change. I knew that DA's had to get a CCW permit and it seems like a lot more of them here are doing it compared to years past.
