“My philosophy is if everyone carried a gun there would be less crime,” he tells the concealed carry class he is helping Jay Burch of Completely Concealed teach Saturday, explaining later in the introduction, “This is not a shooting class. We teach you when you can shoot a gun. If you have trouble shooting, nothing beats practice.”

For the subject matter — knowing when you can use deadly force — the class is laid back, Burch tells the group. It is an all day affair which will lead the students to being able to get a concealed weapons permit.

The one question he and Simmons want to know is why the students want a concealed weapons permit and where they plan to carry the weapon. “There is no wrong answer,” Burch explains, only consequences that come from where you decide to keep your weapon. “If you leave it in the car and someone steals your car,” then a criminal has a gun. “When (Roanoke Rapids Police Officer) John Taylor got shot, the man who shot him had stolen a car with a gun it.”

(The next class is February 11 and spots are available. For more information visit its website)

Simmons demonstrates stance.

While the state mandate is two hours of legal issues in the eight-hour class, Burch and Simmons cover about five hours of legal issues. There is also range time, shooting from 3, 5 and 7 yards.

Both law enforcement officers themselves, Burch a captain with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office, and Simmons, a trooper with the state Highway Patrol, Burch tells the class the stark realities of their jobs, that because of budget cuts and manpower issues, law enforcement can't be right on the scene when there is a break-in or other crime being committed.

Halifax County encompasses 970 square miles with seven deputies on call, less if there's sick time, mandatory training time or going to assist other deputies on calls.

Burch demonstrates a defensive tactic.

In Northampton County, Simmons explains, there's two deputies on duty at night, one in the east end and one in the west end so if an east end deputy needs help, a west end deputy will have to assist. “We are not there to protect you. I'm stopping the crimes I see happening. We stop what we can stop. There's not enough officers in North Carolina to stop all the crime in Halifax County. Society has got to take care of itself.”

The manpower problem is one of politics, Burch explains. Extra manpower requires higher taxes and commissioners are reluctant to raise taxes. “What we are having to do is train an army.”

The actions of this army became easier to justify in North Carolina when the Castle Doctrine went into effect December 1, the instructors explain.

“The new law December 1 helped me treat you more as a victim when I show up at your house,” Burch said.

Slides show the various aspects of the law covered in the class.

Says Simmons, “Before the new law it was common to hear, 'I want a lawyer.' Before December 1 you were guilty. That's why we like the way the law changed.”

The law comes into effect, the instructors said, as homeowners are getting hammered by home invasions. “That why the legislators tweaked the law,” Simmons said.

Because the law was tweaked, however, doesn't mean you can instigate, he said. The threat has to be imminent.

Imminent, he said, simply means, “It's fixin' to happen,” and both said when those situations are encountered you will know it.

Range time. Visit our Facebook page for the complete series of photos.

That's why, Burch said, it's best not to get mixed up in the situation of others. “Reserve the right to protect others who are sensitive to you,” he said, meaning family members.

While the new law is not perfect and Burch expects more tweaks, he does feel it offers home owners, business owners and lawful occupants in rental properties more protection than the old law. “A guy doesn't break into your house to ask you how your day was.”

For Burch, teaching the class, is not about the money, which is used to pay for insurance, use of the Twin City Rifle Club in Pleasant Hill, a split between instructors and $10 if you recommend someone else to come.

The reason, he said, is simple. “You've had so many laws change. I know in my position I will be responding if someone has to do something. I want to make sure the citizens are knowledgeable about the laws.”

Next month: A look at the legal issues concerning concealed weapons.