Reply #44: It needs more than just the presence of armed security

[Euromutt]

If you want to impose a gun-free zone (or weapons-in-general-free), you have to establish a secure area beforehand, and that means physically inspecting all entrants for weapons, using metal detectors or whatnot. Anything less is just so much security theater.

And good heavens, there's a lot of security theater around. I took my first trip to Disneyland last May and despite the people checking bags and such, I was taken aside by a security guard (after I'd passed through the bag check) and advised that the Leatherman on my belt wasn't permitted in the park. On the third day; I'd already spent two full days walking around with the thing in full view on my belt, and if I'd been wearing an untucked shirt, I would have achieved the trifecta.

Similarly, at rock concerts and the like, in my experience "security" is mostly checking for water bottles and other items that would allow you to avoid paying the extortionate prices at the concession stands. I've easily smuggled pocket knives and like past those idiots by shoving it down my boot.

And the less said about mall security's skill in noticing CCWs the better.