Quote Originally Posted by DireWolf View Post
This may not be the best place to toss this out (likely worthy of it's own thread), but this is something I've been thinking about as a way to short-circuit a lot of shit (this thread brought it back to the front-of-mind), and while not ideal for a number of obvious reasons, definitely would seem to be better than nothing and might level the playing field a bit....What if....

Considering the non-stop grabbing efforts, as well as both the "lack of agency/LE restrictions" and the MIL->LE gifting programs that I keep reading about, what if a group of sheriff's dept.'s started up something similar to what you have in AZ with the volunteer deputy program, but with a twist. Anyone who lives in-county and can pass the appropriate background/screening can become an official volunteer deputy and can be "issued" latest/greatest equipment with "level-the-playing-field" capabilities....This could also be used to put a positive spin on the "gifting" program, since equip could effectively be "re-gifted" (issued) to volunteer deputies.......

This would also really help out budget-constrained county depts., and would go light-years toward preventing various forms of abuse-of-power.....

Just a thought......
If you become a "volunteer" deputy. you have to stand out there directing traffic at any event. If i was one of them and they allowed what you suggested (not a bad idea) without giving those already in service the same deal. All hell would break lose.

I had asked my local LE about becoming deputized in an emergency. He informed me we are deputy's, if called up.

Then again I / WE are the Militia.