[RoosterRedux]

I spoke with a local policeman about a robbery in my small (but rapidly growing) town and he said it usually takes the police about 5 to 8 minutes to get to a house after a call.

When I asked him what he would recommend a homeowner do in the meantime to protect himself, he said "get a gun and know how to use it."

BTW, I have a loaded handgun or rifle within arm's length in most rooms of my house.

[Pollster1]

I spoke with a local policeman . . . and he said it usually takes the police about 5 to 8 minutes to get to a house after a call.

Having called 9-1-1 regarding multiple intruders, I would have been thrilled if the police had responded even this quickly. It took them 15-20 minutes to get there after I called. Fortunately, I ended up not having to shoot the morons. I legally could have shot them, but firing was avoidable, and they were teens being stupid. I hope they learned from how close that came to turning out badly. Otherwise, I hope their second attempt will be their final attempt and that lesson will be permanent.