sv_libertarian
State Researcher
imported post
Walking about town today, I decided in light of my recent adventures with the OPD, that while Lt. Wilson had a clear understanding that I was engaged in legal behavior, I was unsure if other cops had understood that message. So I decided to make a phone call and kinda say "how do ya do" and "this is how I see things." As I decided I could not trust the reaction of other officers, and did not know of anyone to call in a supervisory level to establish the facts of OC if needed. I called dispatch and they took my name and phone number.
A Sgt. called me back, I had no chance to write down his name, (my bad I know...)
I had initially walked over to the police station but it was closed for business hours and I decided if I might as well call and ask for a supervising officer so I walked off.
The Sgt. had seen me at the station so I guess I might as well hung around and used the wall phone.
I introduced myself and my recent history. He was familiar (at least from the OPD's point of view) of my recent encounter. I suspect Lt. Wilson either officially or through "the grapevine" explained the incident. The Sgt. fell back again on the old "causing alarm" bs. The OPD seem to think that the simple act of a disturbed citizen is sufficient cause. I tried to explain to the good Sgt. what was actually the case. He got a bit hostile and asked if I called "just to argue". I explained no, I had called to ensure my safety and well being while exercising my constitutional rights and to ensure that there would be no problems with the OPD at any time.
This is where I was accused of having an agenda, a cause and a vendetta! I suspect this is the viewpoint of the OPD. He asked "why I can't just carry normally?"! Hmmm.... throughout history OC has been "normal" and CC has been "abnormal". This of course is why we need a permit to CC and none to OC. Not that I think a permit to CC is right either.
The Sgt. then explained that he too, is a gun owner, grew up with guns, hunted with his father, etc... and that he is concerned that my actions may cause lawmakers to take notice and hurt gun owners in this state! Wow! I had no idea I was that influential!
He said that "fortunately" he has never had to arrest someone who is OCing although he has responded to several calls.
He also said "I gather your beef with us is that an officer put your gun in your bag. Look, he had to put it someplace so they could walk away before you reloaded. At the end of the day you know we all just want to safely go home to our families." This must be a stock line they are taught or something. I explained that he had the incident misunderstood, but since that was not the main reason I was talking to him, I will let internal affairs handle that. I repeated that I just wanted to kinda introduce myself, sound out the waters and make it clear that I will exercise and enjoy my rights as I see fit.
This was an interesting call as it really shows the opinion of the OPD outside of a plainclothes Lt. The Sgt. is an older man and sounds like he's been around awhile. They seem to think anyone OCing is out to make a point and is doing it for the attention.
I thanked him for his time and opinions and ended the call.
The bugs the heck out of me. I can get Lt. Wilson to admit that I am breaking no laws nor reasonably causing alarm. Rank and file fuzz think I'm a kook and have no clear understanding of the law.
I am going to try and speak with the Chief Monday morning. This is getting out of hand. I don't think I hurt my cause with brief phone call. I honestly distrust the OPD to act in a proper manner when I am OCing, which is why I made the call. Sadly my suspsicions were confirmed.
I asked him why Seattle PD never give me this grief, why I can walk through the Pike Place Market OCing and never have more than a brief "how are you doing sir" and maybe a brief exchange of words, how I can walk around Lynnwood when I go there and have no problems, etc...
These guys are living in a fantasy world, and a dangerous one. Now that they have labled me as having a vendetta or whatnot I am worried. Monday morning, Chief of Police, Mayor's Office and City Attorney.
Will be off and online today...
Steve
Walking about town today, I decided in light of my recent adventures with the OPD, that while Lt. Wilson had a clear understanding that I was engaged in legal behavior, I was unsure if other cops had understood that message. So I decided to make a phone call and kinda say "how do ya do" and "this is how I see things." As I decided I could not trust the reaction of other officers, and did not know of anyone to call in a supervisory level to establish the facts of OC if needed. I called dispatch and they took my name and phone number.
A Sgt. called me back, I had no chance to write down his name, (my bad I know...)
I had initially walked over to the police station but it was closed for business hours and I decided if I might as well call and ask for a supervising officer so I walked off.
The Sgt. had seen me at the station so I guess I might as well hung around and used the wall phone.
I introduced myself and my recent history. He was familiar (at least from the OPD's point of view) of my recent encounter. I suspect Lt. Wilson either officially or through "the grapevine" explained the incident. The Sgt. fell back again on the old "causing alarm" bs. The OPD seem to think that the simple act of a disturbed citizen is sufficient cause. I tried to explain to the good Sgt. what was actually the case. He got a bit hostile and asked if I called "just to argue". I explained no, I had called to ensure my safety and well being while exercising my constitutional rights and to ensure that there would be no problems with the OPD at any time.
This is where I was accused of having an agenda, a cause and a vendetta! I suspect this is the viewpoint of the OPD. He asked "why I can't just carry normally?"! Hmmm.... throughout history OC has been "normal" and CC has been "abnormal". This of course is why we need a permit to CC and none to OC. Not that I think a permit to CC is right either.
The Sgt. then explained that he too, is a gun owner, grew up with guns, hunted with his father, etc... and that he is concerned that my actions may cause lawmakers to take notice and hurt gun owners in this state! Wow! I had no idea I was that influential!
He said that "fortunately" he has never had to arrest someone who is OCing although he has responded to several calls.
He also said "I gather your beef with us is that an officer put your gun in your bag. Look, he had to put it someplace so they could walk away before you reloaded. At the end of the day you know we all just want to safely go home to our families." This must be a stock line they are taught or something. I explained that he had the incident misunderstood, but since that was not the main reason I was talking to him, I will let internal affairs handle that. I repeated that I just wanted to kinda introduce myself, sound out the waters and make it clear that I will exercise and enjoy my rights as I see fit.
This was an interesting call as it really shows the opinion of the OPD outside of a plainclothes Lt. The Sgt. is an older man and sounds like he's been around awhile. They seem to think anyone OCing is out to make a point and is doing it for the attention.
I thanked him for his time and opinions and ended the call.
The bugs the heck out of me. I can get Lt. Wilson to admit that I am breaking no laws nor reasonably causing alarm. Rank and file fuzz think I'm a kook and have no clear understanding of the law.
I am going to try and speak with the Chief Monday morning. This is getting out of hand. I don't think I hurt my cause with brief phone call. I honestly distrust the OPD to act in a proper manner when I am OCing, which is why I made the call. Sadly my suspsicions were confirmed.
I asked him why Seattle PD never give me this grief, why I can walk through the Pike Place Market OCing and never have more than a brief "how are you doing sir" and maybe a brief exchange of words, how I can walk around Lynnwood when I go there and have no problems, etc...
These guys are living in a fantasy world, and a dangerous one. Now that they have labled me as having a vendetta or whatnot I am worried. Monday morning, Chief of Police, Mayor's Office and City Attorney.
Will be off and online today...
Steve
