Do you think police enjoy harassing active military members/vets (ref. open carry)?

2014-06-03T00:46:35-04:00

It seems to me that this is usually the case, for example I openly carry my pistol everywhere I go, in Colorado (an open carry state) and every cop feels the need to stop and bother me, and it gets worse when he finds out I'm a vet, it goes from we are just concerned, to what? You have ptsd and are going to shoot up a school? Actually got my stuff confiscated recently with an upcoming court date for "disorderly conduct"... they for some reason don't seem to like the idea that a veteran doesn't like relying on police to keep them safe... especially not a combat MOS Marine with two deployments...
Just wondering about everyone else's experiences...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 3 at 2014 12:51 AM

2014-06-03T00:51:56-04:00

My Brother in Law wouldn't dare harass me. He is a cop but his Dad is retired Air Force and I'm a retired Sailor. also I have the Deputy Sheriff for Jackson County Missouri Number on Speed Dial on my Cell Phone. Not recommended to be busting my chops. I've been scolded a few times by cops and I deserved it but that was it.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 3 at 2014 8:49 AM

2014-06-03T08:49:30-04:00

CPL Sandberg,

I have never had an issue with law enforcement and when they learn that I am, or was, military they are even more helpful. Is your attitude that they are going to bother you? I know if we are looking for trouble, we are normally able to find it. Of course, Colorado police have had more than their fair share of incidents and with the damage high schools students have done, I can only what they are thinking a trained Marine will do?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 9:27 AM

2014-06-03T09:27:18-04:00

There are several issues with your post. Many LEOs are either former military or they have a great respect for military. While I have had my own foolish encounters with law enforcement, most of them have been courteous regardless whether I got a ticket or not. If fact, the last time I got pulled over (about two months ago), the deputy was very cool about the whole situation. We spoke briefly of things with him asking me easy military questions. He let me go with a warning.

Second, insinuating law enforcement knows who YOU are, or for that matter anyone else, is not accurate and patronizing. I do have my own cynicism regarding LEOs but they still have a job to do and it doesn't help if we act disrespectful towards them. Yes, there are some who act stupidly towards the population but that's beside the point.

Third, while I am for a person's right to choose to carry or not whether open or conceal, I'm not a big fan of open carry since there are not only many negative connotations that come with it but also several tactical ones as well. Yes, I do carry but I conceal carry. I would ask, if the area one is in is replete with people or law enforcement who are nervous about open carry, is it truly worth it to do so? If conceal carry is an alternative option, wouldn't that be a more viable solution?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 9:50 AM

2014-06-03T09:50:02-04:00

CPL Sandberg is it the same cop that is stopping you or is various officers? I ask that because if its one particular officer, then you may have grounds to ask for a department investigation about harassment.

If its more than one officer from various police departments, then maybe you should ask the following question, "Am I doing something or projecting an image that makes me appear as though I am a threat to the public?"

While I do not think most police officers wake up and say to themselves, "I am gonna go and harass me a veteran and then someone legally open carrying or better yet I will hit the jackpot and get two birds with one stone!" I seriously doubt that happens. It may, because stranger things have happened. However your status a Marine with a combat MOS and 2 deployments is not germane to the situation. When in a public area off the installation you are a member of the military, by definition a veteran, it does not exempt you from laws or protection provided by police. While I have no doubt you are capable of defending yourself, we are still a nation of laws and those laws have to be obeyed. Veteran status doesn't exempt your from lawful requirements.

I carry concealed, my personal preference is not open carry, as I do not want to advertise. Thats just me. There is nothing wrong with open carry. But as a Military Policeman and someone who works with various state, local and federal agencies on various matters I receive their bulletins and in those bulletins are interactions with open carry personnel. A lot of agencies are having issues with argumentative people. If you know the specific statute and code for the law, you can respectfully inform the officer of the legality of your open carry status. Its possible that you may be unknowingly out of tolerance or in a prohibitive area as laws are changed sometimes without public notification.

The attitude that you display with a police officer is often reciprocated as in if you display a hostile argumentative demeanor, then the officer will have a heightened state of awareness and may become more assertive. If you are calm and use proper interpersonal communication it is most likely going to be a positive experience for both of you.

Search youtube there is examples of both positive and negative interactions with law enforcement on the open carry issue.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 9:54 AM

2014-06-03T09:54:43-04:00

I would say that if one conducts themselves as a professional while offering up that you are active duty or a vet, then everyhting will be ok. To be brought up on disorderly conduct charges, indicates to me that you were not acting as a professional.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 3 at 2014 1:45 PM

2014-06-03T13:45:41-04:00

Harassing? Did you comply with their requests or did you display an arrogant/defensive attitude?

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 3 at 2014 1:47 PM

2014-06-03T13:47:37-04:00

I open carry outside of towns. Camping, fishing, (obviously hunting), or while walking my dog. I can concealed carry here, but I choose not to until I apply for the permit.
It is applicable to just about any form of expression of your rights. If you exercise your rights with mature sense you will normally be ok. If you do so as a provocative activist you may have an issue.

That does not mean there is no room for activism. It just means you have to face the fact that you will have more encounters than most if you participated in provocative activism (most activism is provocative in some form).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 3:52 PM

2014-06-05T15:52:48-04:00

Why would your firearm be confiscated? What was done to provoke this? I open carry in Virginia almost daily and have never been harassed by an officer. However when I carry I wear clothing like slacks and a button up or polo and no one ever says anything. The only time a police officer said anything to me was when he approached me in a parking lot and asked "Is that the new Springfield XD .45?"

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 3:58 PM

2014-06-05T15:58:27-04:00

IMHO it all depends on the Cop. Also the closer you are to Military Bases the less slack will be given to the military.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jun 9 at 2014 3:48 PM

2014-06-09T15:48:11-04:00

Cpl Sandberg - It is not just veterans that SOME cops do not want carrying firearms. Some of them think, like good little Nazis, that only police and military in action should have firearms. Other police like the Sheriff in Wisconsin (can't remember his name) think citizens should have firearms. Some think as I agree we have a responsibility to protect our families and other citizens. I think if you know your rights, federal and local laws inside and out so you can recite them as you can with your General Orders, Chain of Command etc. will go along way if you do it respectfully. Virginia use to be very conservative and pro-gun until about 8-10 years ago. Unfortunately all the people who have moved from more liberal states to Northern Virginia because of the job market the state has changed. 70% of all federal jobs available are in the Washington, D.C.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2014 8:21 AM

2014-06-10T08:21:19-04:00

The first question I have is why do you feel the need to carry openly? I know you may have a right depending on where you reside but I still would like to know why? Carrying a gun does not make you cool or make you invincible and it has been my experience that those that carry openly just want to act like they are cool and draw attention to themselves.
Your mentioning Marine and two deployments is irrelevant, I have served in two wars and many deployments and still keep my weapons concealed. I carry for the protection of myself and family as well as that of others if the need arises but no one ever knows I have it.
As a police officer I will say that I too would stop you ( harass you as you put it) but only to make sure you are legal and find out your intentions. You could have just gone about your business and no one would have been the wiser had it been concealed. If you truly feel the need to carry in public openly and don't want to be stopped, join a police dept and put on a uniform. Did you ever wonder why off duty cops carry theirs concealed ?

Response by SSG Chris Cherry made Jun 10 at 2014 8:25 AM

2014-06-10T08:25:37-04:00

I'm sure this echos many responses here.

In my experiences with peers and junior soliders; any time they are stopped/detained/questioned and they feel that the LEO is harassing them for no reason they tend to get an attitude. Attitude and firearms don't mix. Especially when an LEO is involved. Of course, for all I know you were completely respectful during the whole event. Perhaps you should get your carry permit. If they can't see it they won't bother you about it.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 10 at 2014 3:18 PM

2014-06-10T15:18:53-04:00

Well first off, you live in Aurora which has the preponderance of the crimes in the Denver Metro area (outside of downtown/Colfax area). Second, you live in Colorado, which is turning into a hippie blue state where guns are bad, but drugs are good. Fourth, regardless of it being your 2A right, open carrying is going to draw attention. A LOT OF IT, particularly in a city that has turned as liberal as Denver has in the last few years.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 3:45 AM

2014-06-11T03:45:35-04:00

I got stopped for open carrying the other day and had a really positive experience with the officer. I was waiting to meet a guy from armslist when I saw a cop roll up to me. He said that someone had called about me because I had a gun on my hip and they were "nervous." It was their right to call the police as it is my right to open carry and he told me that if someone calls something in they have to investigate. He asked for my ID and because cooperating is far better than being belligerent I gave it to him. I asked him if I was in any trouble and he said no. We talked about Glocks for a little bit and he never even left his vehicle. I open carry because I don't have a CWW and I'd rather have it and deal with other people then not have it and the need arise to have a firearm on me. More often the only people that approach me are either firearm enthusiasts or generally curious people. I've approached several cops while open carrying and I've never had a problem mainly because I have a goofy grin on my face half the time and I'm pretty friendly. Just my experience on the matter.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 11:54 PM

2014-06-30T23:54:30-04:00

Depends what city\state your in and their stance on solders, round here the cop would problem buy you a beer

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 4:07 AM

2014-07-01T04:07:53-04:00

I'm in the reserves. I did seven years active in the coast guard and I've been a police officer for 17 years. I'm a sergeant. Any of my officers write a ticket to military they walk a foot post

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-07-02T18:21:07-04:00

LEOs in many locations are not only overboard with veterans but also with the community at large. Sometimes some of the LEOs think that the veteran is competition. I think some are jealous of the love veterans and SMs get.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jul 3 at 2014 12:45 PM

2014-07-03T12:45:29-04:00

You know, maybe the police see females as different... then again, I have a purse with the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor on it... I drive a truck with several USMC stickers, and more often than not, I find that police ask about the stickers, by saying, "Oh, your husband was in?"
Maybe, they feel safer seeing a chubby, greying woman carrying than they do a man. I had a policeman once tell me, "Its not as if you are going to start the crap, you would probably end it though..."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2014 3:21 AM

2014-07-05T03:21:12-04:00

What are we talking about when speaking of "open carry"? Are we talking about carrying a sidearm, or slinging an AR-15 over your shoulder? Let me start by saying that I am a perso who always carries unless Washington State law forbids it....like in a bar or school. I think open carry in general is a bad idea. If someone wants to make a false claim about you intimidating people with a firear, all the reporting person needs to do is describe the details of th fkrearm, and there are grlunds for arrest. Additionally, open carry is an invitation for attack. The element of surprise while carraying openly is taken from you a d handed to a potential attacker. If we are talking about one of the several fools who trapse about with a rifle slung over their, shoulder are pretty much inviting confrontation and are doing a great disservice to those of us who act responsibly.

Response by Sgt Wilby Wolfson made Aug 8 at 2014 1:58 PM

2014-08-08T13:58:44-04:00

Some of this comes from the Department of homeland security disseminating a terrorist watch-list, which included combat veterans as potential terrorists to watch out for. Not kidding, research it. I think it's based on the lone nutters, like timothy McVeigh, who was a veteran.

Response by Cpl Christopher Puletasi made Aug 16 at 2014 5:47 PM

2014-08-16T17:47:22-04:00

I would say only if the authority or the socall politicians granted everybody the same right in the right to bear arms policies. By the way you guys are talking all about how you should carry or handles your gun but what about people that are being harass been beatenup by the cops and ended up being shot at to death and not responding to emergency calls hby the 911 yea ignoring the calls of the public for help and then they ended up being thrown to jail, being suspended, get fired from their job. I know how to solve these peoblems but I just wanted to know what others opinion abut this. The Michael Brown guy just got shot to death and whos gonna take the blame for that?

Response by Cpl Westin Sandberg made Sep 18 at 2014 9:11 PM

2014-09-18T21:11:45-04:00

Latest update in this situation,
As of September 11th, my last court date (wonderful choice of date) The District Attorney, upon speaking with my Attorney, dismissed all charges and ordered the immediate returning of my property. Englewood PD has yet to return my property, however; the fact that the DA intentionally delayed this process over the course of 4 months, with no intention to even go to trial, solely for the purposes of inconvenience... oh well... now onto beginning the lawsuit of the EPD for violation of constitutional rights.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 19 at 2014 8:27 AM

2014-09-19T08:27:48-04:00

My experience with LEO has been pleasant. Most of my stops have been by Highway/State Troopers and they are very professional.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 9:57 AM

2015-03-25T09:57:40-04:00

I was a police officer for six years. The more people that open carry or concealed carry the better. If a police officer harasses you for open carry they are an amateur. Police officers swear to defend the constitution just as well as servicemembers. On the other hand if they were just asking some questions and you started to get belligerent that's a mistake. The best way in interactions with law enforcement are just to be respectful and compliant. If they violate your rights as a citizen seek council, but never argue or fight with them on the side of the street because you will always loose. I understand this is hard to do, however, if they have you on video losing it your case doesn't look good. Now if you behaved and were compliant I would fight that disorderly all the way to the Supreme Court.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Dec 5 at 2016 6:27 PM

2016-12-05T18:27:19-05:00

So this is how it starts. "Well it's your right but it may make people nervous'. I live in Tennessee and CC every time I go out. Every now and then I will open carry for a little while, then cover up again. Just my way of supporting the 2A.
There are many opinions on open or CC and guess what none, are 100% correct. If the law says you can open carry, then that is the law. You are free folks and you might see things and hear things that scare you and offend you here in the USA.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Jan 5 at 2017 4:51 AM

2017-01-05T04:51:16-05:00

Learn how to look at them authoritatively and remind them that they are a friggin' punk ass without even opening your mouth. The interview will probably be short and may even have a positive outcome. They may be seen by other law enforcement and when asked the disposition of their assessment will be sure to endorse you positively so as not to look like a bigger fool than they already are.. I think that's a fairly accurate assessment.

Response by SGT Christopher Lachcik made Aug 31 at 2017 8:40 AM

2017-08-31T08:40:18-04:00

Fuck it. Talk to them, most of them are vets anyways.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2019 3:51 PM

2019-06-04T15:51:50-04:00

Every unit has its 10%, but IMO the majority of LEOs serve well and faithfully. In metro areas they leave their home every day knowing they may not return. Use legal means to handle any that clearly step over the line of good conduct. Not for payback, but as your civic duty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2019 4:09 PM

2019-06-04T16:09:44-04:00

Police enjoy harassing anyone on the streets with an attitude, no one in particular, it's just, "What kind of Cop you want to meet".

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 4 at 2019 4:56 PM

2019-06-04T16:56:05-04:00

Missouri is a constitutional carry state , means you can open carry or concealed carry with some caveats and you need to know what's what and where you can and can't. I'm permitted and carry concealed not because open carry wouldn't be more comfortable but because it makes others nervous when you're walking around packing in the open. I carry to defend myself and others so making folks uncomfortable is counter productive.

On the few occasions I have open carried (to and from ranges) and only here locally, I've never had any trouble with the police, usually have one of my veterans hats on or "T" shirt ,but my daughter works law enforcement and I'm "Ems' dad" so I don't know if that has anything to do with getting a wave and a hi verses "what cha doin' with that cannon fella".

Personally I don't mind if the cops ask about my gun, I have a permit even though I don't need one and I'm not involved with anything that would warrant an unpleasant interaction.

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made May 3 at 2021 9:02 PM

2021-05-03T21:02:45-04:00

While perhaps not tactically sound, it is your right. With the current climate of "nanny-state" panty-wastes occupying whatever doesn't agree with their "safe space"....perhaps we have to pick and choose our battles? With ANTIFA running around armed, as felons threatening patriots and veterans...perhaps its time to consider a less obvious target? If anything, the Chauvin case has shown us that the courts right now will rule by public opinion and media/political pressure. I can't afford to lose everything because some dirty, smelly, hippy...err, antifa basement dweller...got offended by the very sight of a true American. Watch your 6 Brother....I'm not sure Colorado isn't behind enemy lines anymore.