Security Theater: Not at Cobb County (GA) DDS

[alfsauve]

Took the wife the get her driver's license renewed today.   It's her first "secureID" so she was all nervous whether she had all the right documentation and how long it would take.   As we got out of the car, she reminded to leave my gun and knife in the car as we were expecting a security screening.

Surprise.  No security screening.  No metal detectors.  And the clerk windows were open with no Plexiglas barriers.   There were plenty of very happy "guest relations" people to help you through the process.  Happy with the state's decision not to make it a gun-free zone.   We were in/out in 15 minutes. 


Contrast that with the Social Secuirty office where there are metal detectors, you have to remove your belt, etc.  And the windows have 1" thick plexi separating you from the clerk.   I think it would hinder, if not stop an RPG.  Maybe if they gave better customer service, SSA wouldn't have to worry about acts of violence against them.

[PegLeg45]

Same quick process back in October when my wife renewed hers....not the horror story we had been told by folks we knew.
I expect most 'trouble' comes from folks not having the things they ask (well in advance) you to bring.

[alfsauve]

They head off problems by greeting you at the door and making sure you brought the right documentation.  The greeters (guest relations is the technical word now for them) were so pleasant they could disarm most anyone with their charm.   

BUT what really impressed me was the the total lack of security theater that's so prevalent in other government offices.    Yes, there may have been unobserved armed security about.  And definitely the positive, pleasant customer service attitude probably short circuits a lot of potential for trouble.

[PegLeg45]

Our DDS office was as casual as any other "business" would seem. Ours doesn't have the greeters, but then our office doesn't see the traffic that yours probably sees. It is also right next door to our local GSP Post. I would expect they have some means of security in place.

I also was about to leave my "pea shooter" in the truck when I realize there were no metal detectors or security.....so, I stayed armed.




As of now, the only two buildings in our county with metal detectors and armed sentries is the Courthouse and County Administration building.

This year, I think I'll pay tag taxes online and bypass having to unload everything, except a flashlight and the knife hanging around my neck that I 'forget' about..... the SO deputy manning the detector knows me by now and knows I have metal in my body, so when the thing beeps, he just asks if I left everything in the truck (the first time we met, I had to make two trips back to my truck to be declared "clean enough" to enter).

[vincewarde]

I have zero problems with REAL gun free zones.  I have huge problems with PHONY gun free zones.  Real gun free zones have screening and security, along with armed security to prevent someone from easily shooting their way through the screening point.  In contrast, as we all know, phony gun free zones are deadly, because they are secured by nothing more than a sign.  It really is that simple.

I would suggest that instead of banning gun free zones. we focus up educating the public to the fact that these gun free zones are not gun free at all.  IMHO all business should be required by law to either set up a truly gun free zone, with security, or allow their patrons to legally carry firearms.

I think many people who are not part of the gun rights movement will be able see the fraudulent nature of gun free zones - and this fraud is key to getting them banned.

[Sponsor]

[Solus]

The REAL gun free zones need to provide lockers, like airports, for the storage of arms carried at entry.  Also guarded and watched for theft.

And even then I'd feel uneasy being disarmed.

[tombogan03884]

No such thing as a gun free zone.
Even metal detectors can be by passed.

[Solus]

No such thing as a gun free zone.
Even metal detectors can be by passed.

You are right not wrong.   

Every guard, employee or anyone who has access to the facility would have to be 100% trustworthy...which is not a possibility.

Weapons smuggled in, hoisted in through a upper story window, hidden inside a vending machine replacement or new office furniture..and I'd guess I'm  not near knowledgeable enough to see all the cracks.

[Big Frank]

No such thing as a gun free zone.
Even metal detectors can be by passed.

It's really easy if you have a Glock 7.

[PegLeg45]

No such thing as a gun free zone.
Even metal detectors can be by passed.

Exactly.

The deputy manning the detector at the admin building is a nice guy...but where he sits, he's an easy target. Anyone could walk into the front door completely armed and just pop him in the noggin before he knew what happened...... then it would be easy pickin's from there on out..... no one else in the building is armed unless a municipal judge is packin'.