Why You Can’t Rely on 911: The Case for Carrying

Why You Can’t Rely on 911: The Case for Carrying

By Jeff Young

When someone says, “You don’t need a gun—just call 911,” show them the reality. In 2022, the data painted a stark picture, and with ongoing police shortages, it’s only gotten worse.

• A 2023 survey found 35% of people waited over 15 minutes for police to respond.

• The national average response time for violent crimes in 2022 was 11 minutes.

• In metropolitan areas, the median response time was 9 minutes.

• Nighttime calls? Expect 13 minutes on average, compared to 8 minutes during the day.

The US Department of Justice reports most violent crimes—like robberies or aggravated assaults—are over in 30 seconds or less. By the time you call 911, the police are likely arriving 11 minutes after the threat is gone.

At Lone Pine Tactical, we believe in being your own first responder. Preparation and self-reliance can make all the difference when seconds count.