CPL - Concealed Pistol License
1:40 Minute Read.
Some offices have Christmas parties, others enjoy summer picnics. Our office ventures a little outside the box. Our get-togethers include complimentary CPL training and Personal Protection classes for agents and their spouses. Completing the class helps agents be more mindful of safety concerns while performing their work and qualifies them to apply for a CPL (Concealed Pistol License) in the State of Michigan if they decide to do so. Everyone in our office is invited to join in. It’s a great way to spend a day together doing something exciting and learning something important. Every time this class is offered, I hear the same thing: “I always meant to do this but just never got around to it.”
“I thought I was alone inspecting REO property, until I heard someone upstairs.”
OK, let me be honest with you. Someone said “If you want more online readers, you need to write about controversial topics.” So be it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even write about this. Some things demand discretion. But can you think of anything more important than safety? Every agent experiences fear – even big, burley fellas who’d prefer to use the term “concern” instead of “fear.” Doesn’t matter if you’re male or female, a new agent or a broken-in guy like me. Showing a vacant home to a total stranger when there’s no electricity, dark basements, set in the middle of nowhere feels, well… a little creepy.
There are many agents who possess a CPL and carry a firearm quietly and unobtrusively – you’d never know it existed. And it’s obviously not for everyone. No matter how you feel about CPLs, every agent should invest time to learn good self defense. Safety is important. Take a class. Do the research. Having a CPL is only one of several options to consider. Here are a few more:
Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
Trust your instincts – move away from people or things that make you feel uneasy.
Tell a friend where you plan to be or better yet, team up. You can always find me parked a few houses down the street when my wife is showing homes to new clients.
Use technology. Smartphones and GPS can help. We love SPOT devices: FindmeSpot.com. They are easily programed to send automatic location signals and feature HELP and SAFE update buttons for your friends and family.
If you’re a broker wanting to offer training or someone interested in taking a class for yourself, I’d recommend contacting Tom Medendorp at www.MIFirearmsETS.com. Your level of experience doesn’t matter. Their trainers are very patient and supportive – the best our company has seen so far.
So, should an agent carry concealed? What percentage of agents would you guess carry concealed? Share your opinions in the comment section.