imported post
So I talked to a few La Crosse leo's tonight...:X
I have never really been too nervous around authority figures. I am comfortable walking right up and talking to just about anyone. So when I walked up and started chatting with a few officers outside of the La Crosse center tonight, I thought I had nothing to fear. I introduced myself and they did not seem to be alarmed what so ever. I asked what the La Crosse pd's stance on open carry was. It took me about thirty seconds to realize that they were trying to explain that you may not carry alcohol in the streets. I said no, I was asking about open carry of a firearm. They scuffed at me and said that no, you will get arrested for that. I mentioned that open carry was legal state wide, and I was just looking for some clarification on La Crosse's stance. The one officer then was so sure of himself in saying that you can't carry a gun in WI that he scolded me by saying that I didn't know what I was talking about. After thatI tried to explain that the law was that you may carry as long as your not within a 1000' of aschool zone, or on state or city property. I said, "So, if I carry on private property in the city of La Crosse, IWILL definitely get arrested for it, even though it is my right per state and US constitution." I even mentioned Gov. Doyle’s quote of if you’re going to wearyour gun, wear it on your hip... The one who didmost of the talking told me that if hesaw me wearing a gun, he would arrest me on spot for sure. I did not feel as though I was causing trouble or anything, but the third officer decided that I was. He stepped in between me and the other officer who was about 6 feet away from me. Instead of standing in the middle or at least in a non threatening way, he got right in my face. His face was about 10"-12" away from mine and said "walk away now or I will walk you away." I told him that I was not trying to argue or anything, I was simply looking for some insight on what would happen if I would carry in La Crosse. He stepped forward and I stepped back. I then looked over his shoulder and said "thank you officers, you have been most helpful." The third said with quite a bit of volume, "WALK AWAY!" I saw them inside at the concert shortly after and said thank you again and to have a good night.
I have always been one to respect authority with the same respect the authority figure gives me. I have lost the little respect I had for some members of the La Crosse force. I realize there are some good ones around here, I happen to know a few personally. However, these three were completely rude to me in all ways. The officer who sort of sat back and nodded in agreement with the other was Officer Drew Gavrilos[/b]. I will have to find out who the others were. The one who said he would arrest me was about 5'10" +/-250 lbs with reddish brown hair and a go-tee. He was maybe 40-45 years old and very smug. The one who got in my face was about6' +/- 180 lbs and about 40 years old. He was balding with short hair and freckles.
Perhaps the picnic will not only inform some of the public of the laws. Maybe it will also inform some of those who have the job of enforcing laws.
I am thinking, would it be wise to pursue a drop off at the police station of a copy of the state statutes and laws regarding open carry. It could be a packet of sorts with quotes, pamphlets, statute copies, and an picnic invitation? It could be prefaced by a cover letter explaining intent of those who OC written with a respectful tone.
Either way, seems as though ChiefKondracki has got himself a bunch of dinks for the face of the force. I am disappointed. :banghead:
Little Otter
