Our policy is that we never, repeat NEVER went anywhere outside the office without our full use of force package on, from ballistic vest, pepper spray, handcuffs, pistol, 2 spare mags, ASP -- the works - even the dreaded Taser, if the officer was qualified on it.
Often had a gun and didn't need it. Cannot fathom needing one and not having it. Period.
Well that's understandable. Everyone knows about the dreaded Northwestern Ontario warlords and drug cartels.