Joe,
I live in GA, and my work situation is as yours.
I can appreciate your feelings about stopping agression. Personally, I am a martial artist, and feel that I can probably end most threats with my hand-to-hand skills...but I cannot employ those while hiding behind something!
I have no great faith in the .32 ACP, but it's great for (as SOF said) "those of us who must drink beer and pretend to like it". Hell, I don't even pretend to like it...usually drink cider, myself.
To put this into perspective: my good friend Spartacus used to carry a Seecamp .25, which he has since replaced w/ a NAA .32. I asked him if he really thought that .25 would stop an attack. No, he replied...but, the Seecamp would make a good bludgeon after he emptied it into his assailant! My feelings in regard to preparation are that we should do what we reasonably can, and leave the rest to God/fate/kismet/"your choice here".
I would have a hard time carrying my 9mm or one of my .40's at work without leaving them unattended. My .32 can go anywhere, and can be shot quickly and accurately at close range. If I have to go head-to-head with a deadly threat, I would just as soon he had a few 1/3" holes in him first. If you would like further information or suggestions, please feel free to contact me directly.
SlickWillie@trust-me.com