"The police cannot protect the citizen at this stage of our development, and they cannot even protect themselves in many cases. It is up to the private citizen to protect himself and his family, and this is not only acceptable, but mandatory"

This quote by Jeff Cooper underscores a perception of individual obligation and self-reliance in matters of personal and familial security. Cooper, a well-known figure in the fields of firearm training and self-defense, suggests that the institutional abilities of the police are limited, specifically as society develops and potentially ends up being more complex.

At the core of this statement is a belief that the organizations developed to maintain order, such as the police force, may not constantly be able to fulfill their protective function effectively. This might be translated as a review of systemic ineffectiveness or as an acknowledgment of the large scale and unpredictability of criminal activity that police face. Furthermore, it highlights an existential reality where individuals might discover themselves vulnerable due to situations beyond the control of law enforcement agencies, whether due to resource constraints, bureaucratic hold-ups, or other barriers.

Cooper's assertion that it is "mandatory" for individuals to take obligation for their own security suggests a philosophical position preferring personal empowerment and preparedness. It indicates that while the social agreement involves delegated security services like policing, there is an unavoidable personal responsibility to ensure one's own security and that of one's loved ones. This perspective is often promoted by advocates of self-defense training and the personal ownership of guns, viewing such measures as not merely a right however an important task.

This approach likewise aligns with broader styles of self-reliance that resonate deeply within certain cultural and political contexts, especially in places where gun rights are strongly defended as a fundamental component of individual flexibility and security. It appeals to those who value independence over dependence on state mechanisms and promotes a proactive approach to handling prospective risks. While it might create contentious arguments around the function of law enforcement and the rights of citizens, it essentially calls for individuals to be watchful and prepared to act in defense of their own safety.