According to NC GS 14-269, what can an officer do off duty?

According to NC GS 14-269, off-duty law enforcement officers are allowed to carry a weapon throughout the state. This provision acknowledges the authority of law enforcement personnel to maintain their capacity for self-defense and to carry out their responsibilities even when they are not actively on duty. It is important for an officer to be armed while off duty, as it maintains their ability to respond to emergencies or criminal activities they may encounter outside of their official patrols.

This law aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that trained individuals can intervene effectively in dangerous situations, regardless of their scheduled working hours. Furthermore, the statute provides clear guidelines about the permissibility of carrying a weapon, which strengthens the legal standing of officers in the course of their duties and supports their rights as second responders.