Why don't they know the laws?

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This really is not an open carry situation since this was in my own home, but I thought I'd post it anyway. I'm still baffled that local law enforcement do not know the rules on firearms in their own state.

About two years ago we had our house broken into. I discovered this after being home for a few hours and not noticing that areas on our second floor had been emptied out. As soon as I did, I grabbed our 12g shotgun from the cabinet and called the police.

We live in an area that has some drug use. The items taken from our house though were probably easily sold for drug money. Nothing with serials, or easily trackable.

When the state police arrived, I was confronted immediately by the police about my shotgun and whether or not it was "registered" in the state of PA. Really? I call them because someone broke into my house and I'm afraid that they will return and are protecting my children and my property and their concern is if my firearm is registered.

Not to mention they asked if I had homeowners insurance right after that - before investigating anything. It was like they were telling me because I had insurance, it really wasn't that important.

Since then, I am a CC license carrier and are researching further into my rights. I probably know more than most local law enforcement, which is truly sad IMHO.

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Well, that's two years ago, and a lot may have changed since then. For one, you've become more knowledgeable. Should you, unfortunately, have to deal with law enforcement officers again, you now know how to respond to their seemingly stupid questions.

Of course, if they insist on asking stupid questions, you can always raise the issue with their superiors and ask why they're not better educated.

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I knew it was wrong back then, but I think I was more in shock because of the break in to respond the way I should have.

Next time (hopefully there will never have to be a next time) I know better..

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When cops don't bother to know the law, it's usually because they don't perceive any downside to not knowing it.

We as citizens don't have the luxury of that illusion. In Ohio, if I walk into a Chipotle carrying a gun, openly or concealed and get caught, NOBODY is going to want to hear "I didn't know it was illegal", whether I did or not.

The police don't need to "know every law". They need to know every law they're ENFORCING, RIGHT NOW. If you don't and violate my rights, don't expect any more sympathy from me than I'd get from you if I carried into Chipotle. You can put me in jail. I can't do that do you, but I can measurably affect your family's standard of living. And have no doubt, I will.

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I am sorry you had this experience. Know that the insurance question is required for the police report. It is asked for a variety of reasons...none of which suggest that they feel your complaint was unjustified.

As for the question regarding registration of the shotgun, obviously the officer is in need of some education. Know though, that police will often ask a lot of questions. Even if the question appears stupid or not in line with what has happened, one of the least appreciated aspects of our job is to get people talking. Oftentimes, once they start...they keep going. Now, usually this is a tactic used when a person is suspected of a criminal act and not a victim. It is possible that the officer has dealt with false insurance claims in your area and was just prying. Again, I am sorry you had this experience. Hopefully the person is caught. If you don't already have a dog, please consider getting one. I have never...repeat never..taken a burglary call from a house with a dog.

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I have seven dogs. Six of them bark, quite loudly. They sleep inside the house at night.

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Good advice, aside from having my firearm at ready, tap on the front door, ring the door bell, and my little Malteese goes balistic!

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shadekitty wrote:

When the state police arrived, I was confronted immediately by the police about my shotgun and whether or not it was "registered" in the state of PA. Really? I call them because someone broke into my house and I'm afraid that they will return and are protecting my children and my property and their concern is if my firearm is registered.


I probably know more than most local law enforcement, which is truly sad IMHO.

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Hmmm, I wonder what the LEO would have done if you had said, "OMG! NO it is NOT registered!"
Well , you would have been telling the TRUTH, as PA does not HAVE gun registration..:lol:

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LOL about dogs. My red heeler cattle dog will eat you starting at your ankles. Oh yeah he barks very nicely too.