Story from a Minnesota state trooper. Hilarious, but what's wrong with this story?

[Pops2]

Speeding tickets generate revenue. Drug busts usually don't. It's usually about the money. But, given how many cops have been shot on a routine speeding stop, yeah, it's usually a good idea to be up front about what weapons you have on you.

not true, forfeiture of assets & proprty related to drug busts generates quite a bit of revenue.
i agree. in fact i reccommend people w/ weapons stick both hands out the window in such a way the approaching officer can plainly see they are empty. if they are running a check on your plates your CCW may be shown (depending on the state). also some states require you to inform the officer as a condition of having the CCW & not doing so could get it revoked permanently.

 

[JessLough]

Yes, I believe it that some cops would very possibly shoot one for carrying a gun, even though it's our right, especially when we have a permit. They shoot people for a lot less than that. Nearby in Everett Wa a cop shot and killed a man for sitting in his car drunker than a skunk, but doing absolutely nothing. He was too drunk to move and wouldn't get out of his car. It was wedged in between two other cars so he couldn't go anywhere. A cop ordered him out of his car, which he was unable to do and then shot and killed him.

In Seattle an old man, a native American had a whittling knife. He was loved and well known by Seattlites...a fixture of the city for sitting on a bench and whittling artful things from wood. He was deaf. He didn't hear the cop yell at him and then he was shot dead.

I could go on. There are many such stories about police shooting and bludgeoning people with no justification.

If the constitution of the United States says we have a right to keep and bear arms and we have a permit and a cop shoots citizens when they haven't drawn on him, the cop is no better than a common murderer. If a cop is being threatened or being drawn on, of course he has a right to defend himself. But not until. And asking if one has a gun in the car when it's put away in a glove compartment and not being drawn on the cop, then the cop is not being threatened. If the cop has a definite suspicion or probable cause, then that's a little different. I realize that it's dangerous for cops in many circumstances. But to take average citizens or that old lady in the story and start prying into their personal belongings, which they have a right to have, is none of their business imo.

I don't disrespect all cops. I've been stopped by some very polite ones who stuck to the business at hand. One time though, I was asked where I was going, where I came from. I was stopped for going 45 in a 35 zone. I am a very conservative looking, conservatively dressed, upper middle class type with a nice car. I could not possibly look like some common thief or drug dealer. There is no reason for a cop to have to know where I'm going, where I've been and what I'm going to be doing. My only vice is having a bit of a lead foot...not too much, but sometimes a few miles over. I've gotten way better lately because there are cops stopping people every single mile you go on the freeway now. They're EVERYWHERE. The heavy arm of the law is felt much more than it use to be. Only thing is...they're more concerned about people driving 8 or 10 miles over the limit than they are about people running red lights, weaving in and out of traffic dangerously, tail gating like you would not believe and generally driving aggressively or speeding excessively.


Downtown Seattle in the business district on one street are people going to and from work, respectable, working people. The cops are there, dressed all in black now with helmets, looking more militant than ever, ticketing jay walkers while just down the street...one block, on the next corner and around the corner on the perpendicular street, there are drug deals going on, scum bags hanging around doing drugs and bothering people and NO cop is doing anything about that! There have been shootings on that other street, just around the corner from where my daughter works in a high rise at an architectural firm. Her company warns the employees not to get off the bus on that other street. That's the only place her bus stops around there. So, there are the cops, handing out jay walking tickets, hiding behind things on the freeway ticketing people going just a little over the speed limit and letting drug deals and shootings go along as they were.

My daughter got a jay walking ticket. (Granted, jay walking is dangerous and against the law, so fine...so be it) Just afterward, she heard a drug dealer giving the sign to another druggy (there's a particular sound or call they make) and it was obvious what was going on. They have no scruples. And that cop did nothing whatsoever. Nothing!

So, do I respect all cops? Hell no! If it weren't for corrupt cops, I don't think we'd have the drug problem we have. Why else do they do nothing? Do I respect some? Sure.

Were you there to witness those? Did you directly see that happen? Cause if not, how are you so sure that is the full truth? Cause you read about it in the paper? Saw it on the news? Heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody who saw it? Fun fact, things get left out. Reporters report what is going to bring ratings, and what will catch people's attention, by leaving out other details.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a lot of hostility towards cops, and so you are just hearing and believing what you want to hear, not the whole story.

ETA: Those cops? They have a wife/husband. They possibly have kids. They have a family to support. There is no reason they should have to take unreasonable risks and potentially leave their family without a husband/wife/mother/father. Those cops? They're somebody's child, somebody's loved one, somebody's parent, somebody's friend. They are people, just as we are.

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

Were you there to witness those? Did you directly see that happen? Cause if not, how are you so sure that is the full truth? Cause you read about it in the paper? Saw it on the news? Heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody who saw it? Fun fact, things get left out. Reporters report what is going to bring ratings, and what will catch people's attention, by leaving out other details.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a lot of hostility towards cops, and so you are just hearing and believing what you want to hear, not the whole story.

ETA: Those cops? They have a wife/husband. They possibly have kids. They have a family to support. There is no reason they should have to take unreasonable risks and potentially leave their family without a husband/wife/mother/father. Those cops? They're somebody's child, somebody's loved one, somebody's parent, somebody's friend. They are people, just as we are.

This x10. I find the attitude by some people on this forum towards the police really sad and frustrating. People LOVE to believe whatever they read about them in the paper. It reminds me so much of the whole pitbull fiasco, and it is interesting to me that people are so adamant that the media goes out of its way to portray pitties poorly so as to make great stories, yet won't stop to consider if they do the same thing with the police force.

What's not exciting about society being secretly controlled and bullied by an entire out-of-control and corrupt police force, the majority of which are sadistic, evil and violent and out to kill innocent civilians?

And I think people also forget that these policemen and policewomen do go home to sons, daughter, spouses, mothers, etc. They sure as hell shouldn't have to put themselves in unnecessary danger so as not to offend us. I think that asking if someone is carrying a weapon is a totally legitimate question. Doesn't mean they are going to drag you out and arrest you if the weapon is legal, it just gives them more information about the situation. You might be totally sane and nice, but they don't know that, for all they know you are schizophrenic and in the middle of a psychotic episode suffering from delusions that could make you dangerous.

Getting asked if you carry a weapon? Not a big deal. I would rather have more cops going home safe and sound to their families at night.

 

[JessLough]

This x10. I find the attitude by some people on this forum towards the police really sad and frustrating. People LOVE to believe whatever they read about them in the paper. It reminds me so much of the whole pitbull fiasco, and it is interesting to me that people are so adamant that the media goes out of its way to portray pitties poorly so as to make great stories, yet won't stop to consider if they do the same thing with the police force.

What's not exciting about society being secretly controlled and bullied by an entire out-of-control and corrupt police force, the majority of which are sadistic, evil and violent and out to kill innocent civilians?

And I think people also forget that these policemen and policewomen do go home to sons, daughter, spouses, mothers, etc. They sure as hell shouldn't have to put themselves in unnecessary danger so as not to offend us. I think that asking if someone is carrying a weapon is a totally legitimate question. Doesn't mean they are going to drag you out and arrest you if the weapon is legal, it just gives them more information about the situation. You might be totally sane and nice, but they don't know that, for all they know you are schizophrenic and in the middle of a psychotic episode suffering from delusions that could make you dangerous.

Getting asked if you carry a weapon? Not a big deal. I would rather have more cops going home safe and sound to their families at night.

Exactly. I mean, I love having my Uncle's life devalued because of his career choice, that he made to help people

I sincerely hope those people are never in a situation where they are in need of the assistance of a cop -- I mean, what will they complain about when they are shown that not all cops are "bad guys", and that the good cops do outnumber the bad.

That's true in any profession, though -- you will always have that one person that is in it for all the wrong reasons

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

Exactly. I mean, I love having my Uncle's life devalued because of his career choice, that he made to help people

Me too, my grandpa was a policemen and I love hearing his stories. He rescued an old lady's dog once that got stuck in a cabinet and she couldn't get him free. He is just such a good, decent, kind guy... He volunteered at the animal shelter for years, was always helping out his neighbours and was just a great family man. It angers me to no end when the police-hating brigade come out in full-force and insult the whole lot of them

That's true in any profession, though -- you will always have that one person that is in it for all the wrong reasons

This is very true. I understand not all cops are good - not all HUMANS are good. Obviously you are going to get some rotten ones. I think it is a huge assumption to say the majority are in it for the wrong reasons, though. I imagine it is a very small number making the masses look bad, and sadly people seem to eat up the media stories

 

[blue]

There is no law that requires her to answer those questions..

In this state there is. If you are carrying concealed with or without a license, it is required to be the first thing you say to the officer.

 

[ACooper]

I have my concealed carry license, and sometimes I DO have a gun in my purse or glove box.
I have absolutely no issue telling an officer right away----before they even ask---that this is the case. IMO, whether it's state law or not, it's just good common sense to do.
I don't mind making small talk about where I've been or where I'm heading either. If I did mind, I'd just answer vaguely like "No place fun...haha"

I don't feel this is in violation of my rights. I see it as helping the officer feel safer in his duties and getting safely on my way quicker. win/win. I also have family members who are (or were) police officers, FBI, secret service, soldiers, etc. I try to extend the same courtesies I would want extended to my own family members.

Furthermore, we ALL know there are rotten teachers, doctors, soldiers, priests, policeman, and John Q's (and the list is higher than you can type) who abuse their authority. I have to believe the good ones still far out weigh the bad ones...........the bad ones just get more press. Therefore, we have to assume we are dealing with a good one until we know we aren't.

*shrugs* JMO

 

[sassafras]

I don't feel this is in violation of my rights. I see it as helping the officer feel safer in his duties and getting safely on my way quicker. win/win. I also have family members who are (or were) police officers, FBI, secret service, soldiers, etc. I try to extend the same courtesies I would want extended to my own family members.

Yes, exactly.

Furthermore, we ALL know there are rotten teachers, doctors, soldiers, priests, policeman, and John Q's (and the list is higher than you can type) who abuse their authority. I have to believe the good ones still far out weigh the bad ones...........the bad ones just get more press. Therefore, we have to assume we are dealing with a good one until we know we aren't.

Agreed. I would rather assume the best and act accordingly than the other way around. And honestly the cop's reaction to me is probably going to be affected by my own behavior, why wouldn't it? Why not have a pleasant interaction with someone instead of combative?

 

[Doberluv]

Were you there to witness those? Did you directly see that happen? Cause if not, how are you so sure that is the full truth? Cause you read about it in the paper? Saw it on the news? Heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody who saw it? Fun fact, things get left out. Reporters report what is going to bring ratings, and what will catch people's attention, by leaving out other details.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a lot of hostility towards cops, and so you are just hearing and believing what you want to hear, not the whole story.

ETA: Those cops? They have a wife/husband. They possibly have kids. They have a family to support. There is no reason they should have to take unreasonable risks and potentially leave their family without a husband/wife/mother/father. Those cops? They're somebody's child, somebody's loved one, somebody's parent, somebody's friend. They are people, just as we are.

Well, in both of those cases I wrote about, yes, they were in the paper. And on TV news. They showed footage of the trial. In the case about the drunk guy in the car who wouldn't get out because he was unable, there were many witnesses who came out of the lounge where he had been previously. AND the cop's partner was there. On the stand when he was giving testimony, he was sobbing and said that the cop, his partner who shot him did NOT have to do that...that it was unnecessary. So, that cop was a good cop who did not try to cover up what the other cop did. It upset him terribly. The man who was shot and killed by that cop was about 52 or so and had a wife and two children he left behind.

There were also many witnesses right on the street where the homeless man with the whittling knife was shot. It had a 3" blade which is legal to carry. Witnesses said they did not see him threaten the cop, that he didn't appear to even know the cop was across the road. People knew him to be a mellow guy and he carved things out of wood to sell at the Pike Place Market. Because he didn't appear to hear the cop tell him to drop it, because he was deaf in one ear, he was shot and killed.

There are crimes that most people know about that they didn't personally see themselves, but other people saw them happen and other evidence is discovered. So, it doesn't mean they don't happen because I didn't see them happen.

I said it in my post that I don't disrespect all cops, so why are you implying that I do? Some do their job and treat people appropriately according to whatever is happening. But there are many such incidences where cops are conducting themselves so horribly out of proportion, taking that authority they're given and using it to satisfy some kind of crazed need for power...to the point of pathological power, which is a phenomenon that happens to people in a position of power. There are many cops who are using excessive force, bludgeoning, tazing, and even killing people when it is absolutely not warranted. I take these things on a case by case basis. I don't disrespect all black people or all white people or all oriental people. I am not like that. But the cops who do things like the above, I do not respect, nor should I be expected to. I take people as individuals first and foremost. In some cases, the cops that didn't cross the line cover up for those who did. I can not respect those ones either.

I have had some interactions with cops throughout my life and most have been courteous and did what they were suppose to do. I had cops come to my house once, looking for a bad guy...long time ago. They wanted to bring their dog in my back yard because they thought that's where the bad guy went. They came to my door, explained and asked me to bring in my GSD so they could search. They were polite, business like and they didn't push me around. It was all fine. I've been stopped for going over the speed limit more than once or twice and I didn't resent them for that. I was going over the limit. My fault. No problem. I had one or two who were on a power trip and were rude as hell. Otherwise, they were always polite...just doing their job. I have no disrespect for those ones. My husband and I had friends and the man was a cop. We socialized with them. No, I have nothing against cops in a general way, just individuals who cross the line and yes, there are plenty.

To think these things don't happen just because you or I don't see them happen is like putting blinders on. If they've gone to court and the evidence shows what happened....well, that's how our justice system works.

 

[Renee750il]

When you're pulled over, I thought you're required to alert the officer of any guns you have in the car and of their location? And if you're not, it's probably not a good idea not to, lol.

In this state there is. If you are carrying concealed with or without a license, it is required to be the first thing you say to the officer.

This. It's a legal requirement here -- comes with the carry permit, whether open or concealed. Part of the deal, like stopping on red is part of the deal when you get a driver's license, and, yes, they are required to ask if there are any other weapons in the car.

Does it make me happy? No. And after all, it's not like someone who is going to shoot a cop is going to TELL one there's a .357 under the seat, so while I can understand the logic behind it, I also understand that it's futile and, like firearm registration, only affects the people who are going to abide by the law in the first place.

 

[Doberluv]

This. It's a legal requirement here -- comes with the carry permit, whether open or concealed. Part of the deal, like stopping on red is part of the deal when you get a driver's license, and, yes, they are required to ask if there are any other weapons in the car.

Does it make me happy? No. And after all, it's not like someone who is going to shoot a cop is going to TELL one there's a .357 under the seat, so while I can understand the logic behind it, I also understand that it's futile and, like firearm registration, only affects the people who are going to abide by the law in the first place.

This^ x 1000.

I don't know what the law is in Washington. But I don't even have a concealed weapons permit yet here. I am not worried about it. I don't even feel a need to carry a gun most places I go. I have them in my house and they're loaded, in case someone breaks in. I may get a permit to carry. And of course, I'll go by the law if it says I must advise them of it if I'm stopped in my car.

Not all laws are morally right or even logical. I still go by them because I don't want to get into trouble and when they are right, I want to do right. You make me out to be some kind of criminal because I don't respect every single cop out there. Respect has to be earned, not freely and blindly given. But if you want to respect every single cop, ignoring anything they do, no matter how criminal, go ahead. It will probably come and bite you on the a$$ some day but so be it.

 

[*blackrose]

I have my concealed carry license, and sometimes I DO have a gun in my purse or glove box.
I have absolutely no issue telling an officer right away----before they even ask---that this is the case. IMO, whether it's state law or not, it's just good common sense to do.
I don't mind making small talk about where I've been or where I'm heading either. If I did mind, I'd just answer vaguely like "No place fun...haha"

I don't feel this is in violation of my rights. I see it as helping the officer feel safer in his duties and getting safely on my way quicker. win/win. I also have family members who are (or were) police officers, FBI, secret service, soldiers, etc. I try to extend the same courtesies I would want extended to my own family members.

Furthermore, we ALL know there are rotten teachers, doctors, soldiers, priests, policeman, and John Q's (and the list is higher than you can type) who abuse their authority. I have to believe the good ones still far out weigh the bad ones...........the bad ones just get more press. Therefore, we have to assume we are dealing with a good one until we know we aren't.

*shrugs* JMO

^ This, exactly.

My boyfriend carries. When he's pulled over, he lets them know.

 

[Lilavati]

This. It's a legal requirement here -- comes with the carry permit, whether open or concealed. Part of the deal, like stopping on red is part of the deal when you get a driver's license, and, yes, they are required to ask if there are any other weapons in the car.

Does it make me happy? No. And after all, it's not like someone who is going to shoot a cop is going to TELL one there's a .357 under the seat, so while I can understand the logic behind it, I also understand that it's futile and, like firearm registration, only affects the people who are going to abide by the law in the first place.

Oddly, I don't see it as directed at people who are going to shoot the cop. Instead, it seems to be directed, in my mind, to people who have no intention of shooting the cop. Because here is what no one wants to happen . . . when the cop asks for your registration, you open the glove box and move the gun you have there out of the way to get to it . . . and are promptly shot by the cop who thinks you are grabbing the gun to shoot him. Frankly, when you have two armed people who are having a peaceful interaction (and a traffic stop is, 99% of the time, a peaceful interaction) its best that both of them know the other is armed and that they have no violent intentions. Frankly, this seems to be a good way to avoid a tragic misunderstanding.

Could bad cops abuse this? Sure, and I have heard of them doing so.

But, regardless of whether I was legally required to, if I had a gun in my purse or glovebox when I was pulled over, I would say "Officer, I have a concealed carry permit, and there is a gun in X. I am just getting my license/registration/insurance card, ok?"

And whether or not speeding should be against the law, it IS against the law, so you can't blame the officer for enforcing it.

 

[Doberluv]

Good points Lil. That's the reason for telling them. I don't believe there should be any other kind of reason. If it's truly for the sake of safety for both parties, that's okay by me.

 

[Renee750il]

That too, Lil.

It does go both ways.

 

[ACooper]

And Lil's points about "tragic misunderstandings" is pretty much my purpose in saying "good common sense"
I personally don't need a LAW to force me to use common sense, some people have to be forced. Then of course there are some that know better (or don't) and won't either way.

 

[puppydog]

I think cops are overworked and under appreciated

 

[sparks19]

I think cops are overworked and under appreciated

Absolutely this

 

[oakash]

Were you there to witness those? Did you directly see that happen? Cause if not, how are you so sure that is the full truth? Cause you read about it in the paper? Saw it on the news? Heard it from somebody who heard it from somebody who saw it? Fun fact, things get left out. Reporters report what is going to bring ratings, and what will catch people's attention, by leaving out other details.

Honestly, it sounds like you have a lot of hostility towards cops, and so you are just hearing and believing what you want to hear, not the whole story.

ETA: Those cops? They have a wife/husband. They possibly have kids. They have a family to support. There is no reason they should have to take unreasonable risks and potentially leave their family without a husband/wife/mother/father. Those cops? They're somebody's child, somebody's loved one, somebody's parent, somebody's friend. They are people, just as we are.

Thank you Jess. I really wish people would stop bashing on the cops. They are there to HELP you, I don't know why people resent that. I would love to be a policewomen someday, and it kind of hurts to see this attitude towards all of them. Yeah, there are gonna be bad cops, but the good ones outweigh the bad. There are bad people everywhere in the world, you can't let that make you hate everyone because someone else in that profession did something bad.