Letters: Retired cops may need their weapons

I, like the retired police officer who wrote, don't carry my registered pistols ["Retired cops shouldn't be carrying weapons," Jan. 12]. However, the retired Nassau County lieutenant involved in the Seaford pharmacy shooting had a legitimate reason to do so. He owns a deli and apparently felt the need to have a gun on the premises.

Unfortunately, in this case, the result was a tragedy.

Robert Mitchell, Franklin Square

Editor's note: The writer is a retired transit police officer.
 

I agree that retired police officers should let the past be the past. When a retired officer tries to take action against a criminal, there are many complications involving civil suits. Retirees are not covered under state law as much as active-duty police using deadly physical force. They're on their own when they draw that weapon.

However, I do not agree that a retired officer has no need to carry a firearm. There have been instances where criminals have attacked their arresting officers after they were released from prison.

Dennis Conner, Port Jefferson

Editor's note: The writer is retired from the New York City Police Department.