I only see two differences:
1. Cops are already targets by wearing the uniform. The gun doesn't make them more of a target, but it has a deterrent effect -- same effect as with non-LEO open carriers.
2. Cops are allowed to carry standard capacity mags, where slaves of the state are limited to 10 rds or less.
I watched half a dozen students from Front Sight Training walk into the first gas station between the site and LV where I stopped each day. Each was open carrying their training pistol. No customers or employees freaked or called 911. Most didn't even give them or their guns a second glance.
I would prefer carrying concealed assuming it's legal, but a group of customers open carrying is NOT going to be targeted for execution at the start of a hold up. 4-6 people with holstered weapons would deter most criminals and send them looking for a softer target to rob. So, if you want to talk tactical advantages of concealed carry, maybe you should also consider tactics that work when open carrying like carrying as a group or family?
1) Yeah. I'm with you there. I do think the gun can be effective as a deterrent in both cases.
2) Didn't really consider that aspect. I was just considering open carry or unarmed. Glock 17 standard cap is 17 and CZs are 17 and 18, where I have 10 rounders.
Like the Texas example that I shared above, I think once people get over the initial knee jerk reaction, then things would settle down. Or at least I would hope. That said, guns are almost a way of life in Texas, so the "reaction" curve would be much steeper here where I can't get into the elevator with my rifle bag without having another resident give me a shocked look that I am headed to the range with a firearm.
From the deterrent stand point, I would agree/think that criminals would choose a softer target if they saw a bunch of armed individuals. I was more thinking along the lines of the individual who is open carrying could be targeted for people wanting the gun. I remember when I first carried concealed (in a different state), I felt super self conscious about it, even if it was concealed.
Never really considered tactics of open carrying in a group or with family. I've slowly gotten other family members to enjoy shooting, but only my dad and I have guns in my immediate family. I have other relatives that have guns, but don't really shoot. I try to share my passion for shooting with friends and family when I can, but I would say maybe a few friends would be interested in carrying, the rest likely either not interested to irrationally afraid of guns.