Boy, when these guys clean up a thread, they don't mess around!
Anyhow, I guess we will just have to agree to disagree on this one. I'll admitt that there are some pro's to open carry, but I don't think it is for me.
I actually saw a cop with a simple slide holster once.
Here's the thing about that. Lots of new hires go through the Police Academy, get issued a glock or whatever. Now, the police Academy should teach them how to shoot, and how a retention holster works, but they really don't teach them much about guns, or holsters. They will probably explain to them the laws and policies regarding off duty carry, but thats about it. So these guys get out on thier own and they have a duty weapon, they want to carry, but know nothing about concealment holsters. They are also, usually broke, being newley hired civil servants and all. So they will go out and buy a cheap Velcro and Nylon holster from the local sporting goods shop, and walk around with a barely secured, poorly concealed, full sized handgun. If they work at a decent Department, someone might pull them aside and speak with them about it. Usually they'll eventually get straightened out, one way or another, and get a decent holster.
My current dept. has fairly strict off dutyweapons policies, which give us less options that an armed civillian (uh, I mean non-sworn person). we aren't allowed to carry anything smaller than a .380, no pocket carry what-so-ever, gun has to be secure in a retention holster. Obviously no waist band carry. Some guys will actually go out and get a regular concealed carry permit, just so they can carry a .25 or a .32 in a pocket holster.