It is always a bad idea to ask police officers for information on firearms ordinances, especially open carry. Your best bet is to find out where they keep a copy of the ordinances for the town you are interested in and go look at them yourself. You can usually make copies for a small fee. Police officers can and do lie, some feel its part of their job. Hope you find what you are looking for.
I completely agree with you. That is why I stressed to do your own research. I carry a copy of the local laws with me in my wallet, signed by a city clerk, just in case I ever need them. However I personally like to know how the local LEOs feel about open carry just to have a general idea of the attitude I might encounter if they ever approach me while I am carrying. While I have yet to have this happen (I have been OCing for just about a year now, and other than maybe a handful of folks asking me about what I carry or inquiring why I carry I have never had a problem thankfully) I would still like to have a general idea of what might be heading my way if it does happen. Also I had to get clarification on the local ordinances, due to the way they are written. I got that clarification from several different sources not just the local PD.
Plus I like to let local LEOs know I carry in case they do get a call about a "crazy guy carrying a gun" or whatever ridiculous ideas folks call the cops with, that way when they show up and see me there is already a history there, and they know that I am a law abiding citizen, not some crazy dude with a gun. I have found that this is a good way to help deescalate possible situations with the police if they already know you and are not approaching a situation blind so to speak.
And to answer your question wbinsk...it is up to local towns and cities. So always check the local ordinances and laws of whatever city you are in... Now I will say that if I am just traveling through a town and stop to get gas or use the restroom somewhere, I just carry like I normally do for 2 reasons... One folks situational awareness sucks in general and most folks will never notice you carrying, and 2 because I am only going to be there a short time I usally don't worry about it. As I have said so far I have not had problems, and I have carried all over mid MO. And I understand the thing about not being able to carry on post. I just got out of the service not to long ago. Did my OSUIT at FLW back in 07. For Waynesville, St. Robert area just hit up the local chamber of commerce and ask to see their ordinances...I have not been out that way in a while so I honestly am not sure of their stance.