M.J. BALL
Profession: U.S. Concealed Carry Association Certified Instructor
Current job title: Owner, Blue Finch LLC
Describe your residence and its occupants as it relates to protective or defensive decision-making.
We live in a busy area of a major Midwest city. Our home is on the cross-section of a main street and a popular bus line. Despite being close to emergency services, the average law enforcement response time in the area is over 18 minutes. We have had to call the police before and have witnessed this ourselves. Due to staff shortages in our emergency service departments, we made the decision to heavily invest in a home security system, camera network, and responsible self-defense training.
How does your home/neighborhood environment affect your choice of home defense/bedside firearm and defense items?
Having lived in the city long-term, both my husband and I understand the risk of increased crime activity. My personal carry items need to be light, effective, concealable, and versatile. Whether I’m heading to the gym or walking into the office, I have to know that my self-defense tools are both familiar and accessible. At home, our self-defense strategy involves primarily pistol use and active threat training. At night, our cell phones stay charged, emergency kits packed, and alarm systems armed. Since B&Es are common in our area, our first focus is to deter. According to a study
