CC> was not there, so I strolled to the magazine racks and an officer
 CC> was there.  He had the hand on the butt of the strap.  I started
 CC> getting a little nervous (It was not that he was an LEO but that
 CC> he kept the hand on the gun the whole time and I've known some
 CC> pretty hairy trigger fingers before).
I would say that you met a rookie officer that was a little bit paranoid
about the security of his gun in a crowded store, possibly someone grabbing
it and using it on him. Even veteran officers have these same feelings from
time to time, but they usually use a different tactic. They may rest their
elbow on the top of the gun for a feeling of added security, or they may have
their back to a wall or counter so they can see who is approaching them. Many
officers are killed with their own guns, so there is a reason for some of the
paranoia. I recommend high security holsters, only for the officers who are
willing to devote the proper time for practice in using it. The high security
holster can get an officer killed without the proper training and practice.
I think that you asked a very good and valid question. These are the type of
discussions that help build understanding between citizens and the police.
Tom Rightmer - A Victims' Rights Advocate
... Book... Assault with Battery by..Eva Ready
--- Blue Wave/DOS v2.30
---------------