Are FFDOs more likely to be targeted for crime because of their armed status?
FFDO’s would be thoroughly trained in firearms retention by an appropriate federal agency and would be well prepared for the responsibility of carrying a firearm. Criminals historically have been reluctant to victimize law enforcement officers because of their status and FFDO’s would benefit from that disinclination. Uniformed police officers are not routinely assaulted because of their armed status and it is unreasonable to believe that FFDO’s would be either. The fact that a law enforcement officer could potentially be the target of a crime because of his possession of a firearm has never been seriously considered to be a valid reason for disarming law enforcement officers. It should not be considered a reason to deprive the traveling public of a last resort, final line of defense against the terrorist threat.
