Thanks for the clarification, I'm the same as you and only use shops I am familiar with, always met with a smile & welcome back comment, it's also good to know that one is not being ripped off and they really appreciate repeat business.
I think you'll find that they all sing off the same hymn sheet, ie: the price for gold is the same in all shops, it's been a while since I bought any so things may have changed.
If I remember rightly the police have to purchase their own firearm (pistol) so not illegal, I think that they have to pay for their own uniform as well, I'm sure other members will know better than me.
I'm 71, I regulary get at least 9 hrs sleep every night, if I feel tired during the day I hit the sack for a couple of hours, basically I have nothing to do and all day to do it ????