The thing is, from experiance...in all but rare cases you will not be able to tell the good guys from the bad if you walk into a mutual exchange of gunfire.
That is why responding Police treat every one as bad guys when they get there(till things get sorted out) And BG's hardly work alone anymore....and thier "backup" may purposely look like a bystander woman(till they shoot you)
I look like a "dirtbag" off duty.
Guess what, I'm one of the good guys.
My biggest fear is getting shot off duty by the responding on duty LEO's.
Things aren't always what they seem and unless you are 100% positive of what's going on you would be better served to be a good witness and provide vital and necessary information.
Now, let's say you see me holding someone at gunpoint, unlikely but possible, as I don't get involved in gunplay off duty if it can avoided. OK, so here you are, walking down the sidewalk and see an unkempt long haired, looks like a "tweaker" dirtbag holding a gun on a guy in a shirt and tie.
The situation developed too fast for me to do anything but place the individual on the ground and draw my gun. Now, before I can issue verbal commands and identify myself, here you are. You would probably think I'm going to shoot the individual in the tie, and I may if that person commits certain actions that place me in fear of my life, or the life of a third party.
Guess what HERO, the "tweaker" looking individual is an off duty LEO.
THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM!
So, unless you are 100% certain of what is going on, you are better off reporting whom/what you see and hear. My life may depend upon it, as might your's. There's no guarantee that I will go home every night alive, but by God I will do what I have to do to try and make that happen. If that means not getting involved off duty, so be it.
Biker