"Drop your weapon!" What to do when confronted by cops?

kwikrnu · Jul 13, 2010

There have been many threads discussing what to do when confronted by cops while carrying a handgun. Taking into account the recent cop shooting of Erik Scott at the Las Vegas Nevada Costco I think it is safe to say that complying with a police command to drop the weapon may be a bad idea unless the firearm is actually in the hand. Slowly raising the arms palm forward may be the best way to avoid dying.

Forum post about the incident.

News article channel 8 ( KLAS ), 7-10-10.

News article channel 8, 7-13-10.

News article channel 8, 7-13-10.

Las vegas Review Journal ( LVRJ ), 7-12-10.

Las Vegas Review Journal, 7-14-10.

Channel 3 face to face, 7-13-10,ACLU attorney, see blocks 2 & 3.

Interview with the father, lvrj, 7-15-2010.

Pay attention to the comments

6L6GC · Jul 13, 2010

I agree

"dropping" a loaded handgun couldn't be a good idea. Also, if a cop has you at gun point it may be advisable not to draw a weapon in order to drop it. If I found myself in that situation I'd ask the cop if I could LAY the gun on the ground while it is still in the holster. Undo the belt, slide the holster off and lay it on the ground with the gun still in it. Removing the gun from the holster couldn't be good while at gun point of a nervous person/cop

heresyourdipstickjimmy · Jul 13, 2010

Why oh why can't folks on this board STOP stretching negative articles with obvious criminal activity into the "what if" or attacks on lawful carry?

These articles have absolutely nothing to do with a LEO ordering you to "drop your weapon" as it would pertain to lawful carry. If you're given that order, then you're obviously unholstered and should expect the order at that point.

So here's a suggestion for the shoot-scenario. IF for some major reason you've had to draw your weapon and a LEO orders you to drop your weapon. DO NOT drop the weapon, it's dangerous. Carefully place the weapon on the deck (ground for you civilians) with the muzzle pointed AWAY from you and the officer. Verbally communicate to the officer that you'll take 2 side-strides away from the firearm to prevent it from being kicked away and put safe distance in play for the officer.

On the holstered situation, NEVER unholster the firearm, even if the LEO orders you to do so. You'll be putting yourself at the hazard following that order and any sudden movement at that point can get you shot. If there's cause for them to lawfully disarm you (running your SN or "officer safety" are not lawful reasons, they actually violates the 14th Amendment for search and seizure), then let the LEO do just that and clearly communicate that if they try to get you to unholster.

Phoenix David · Jul 13, 2010

If they say drop it, I'm dropping it. Todays modern quality firearms will not discharge when dropped. Jennings, Hi-Point might go off, but if your a OC or CCW you should have more sense then to carry crap

kwikrnu · Jul 13, 2010

heresyourdipstickjimmy said:
Why oh why can't folks on this board STOP stretching negative articles with obvious criminal activity into the "what if" or attacks on lawful carry?

These articles have absolutely nothing to do with a LEO ordering you to "drop your weapon" as it would pertain to lawful carry. If you're given that order, then you're obviously unholstered and should expect the order at that point.

So here's a suggestion for the shoot-scenario. IF for some major reason you've had to draw your weapon and a LEO orders you to drop your weapon. DO NOT drop the weapon, it's dangerous. Carefully place the weapon on the deck (ground for you civilians) with the muzzle pointed AWAY from you and the officer. Verbally communicate to the officer that you'll take 2 side-strides away from the firearm to prevent it from being kicked away and put safe distance in play for the officer.

On the holstered situation, NEVER unholster the firearm, even if the LEO orders you to do so. You'll be putting yourself at the hazard following that order and any sudden movement at that point can get you shot. If there's cause for them to lawfully disarm you (running your SN or "officer safety" are not lawful reasons, they actually violates the 14th Amendment for search and seizure), then let the LEO do just that and clearly communicate that if they try to get you to unholster.

What criminal activity? The man who was shot did nothing wrong, the cops shot him in cold blood after telling him to drop a gun he didn't have in his hand.

Seven months ago I was in a similar situation where the leo was pointing a shotgun at my face. I was lucky he didn't shoot after he told me to drop my handgun which was slung at the time. Next time I'm going to put my arms and hands in the air and not put my hands anywhere near my handgun. After reading witness statements I came to understand that when a witness sees a handgun being removed (even as ordered) it can be interpreted as a threat.

Dreamer · Jul 13, 2010

I'll wait for the video before I pass judgment on this one...

Most eye-witness in these sorts of situations are actually LESS trustworthy than the police.

But video never lies, doesn't get confused, and can't be colored by pre-conceived beliefs...

All that said, I think perhaps Costco needs to be the next venue for some REALLY big "empty holster" demonstrations...

Brimstone Baritone · Jul 14, 2010

Generally speaking, I'm not taking my gun out of my holster unless I plan on using it. I'm not taking my holster off unless I'm at home.

I would hope that an officer would have more sense than to order me to drop something I'm not holding, but if he did I would have to respectfully tell him that my hands aren't moving. If I'm shot for NOT drawing a weapon, I'd like to think my wife will be well provided for.

balackolama · Jul 14, 2010

if they did tell him to take it out of his pants and drop it then executed him
i would like to see those officers hung old west style

Jack House · Jul 14, 2010

Dreamer said:
But video never lies, doesn't get confused, and can't be colored by pre-conceived beliefs...

Uh, video does lie and can quite easily be colored by preconceived beliefs, just like audio.

Anthony_I_Am · Jul 14, 2010

I agree with other posts here, that unless a gun is in your hand, it would be impractical to "drop it". Simply putting your hands over your head would be a safer alternative.

What about the witness across the street that couldn't hear the officer tell you to drop your weapon but testifies that he saw the officer approached you and you drew your weapon?

I'd simply raise my hands over my head and tell the officer I'm not touching my weapon.

skidmark · Jul 14, 2010

Cop wants me to drop my handgun that is still in the holster? Be prepared for an ugly sight, as I'm going to drop it while it is still in the holster which is attached to the belt that was up until that moment holding my pants up. And I'm doing that with my gun hand high in the air, using only the hand on the side opposite my holster.

Just like in the cowboy movies, except their gunbelt was not attached to their pants.

stay safe.

"Drop your weapon!" What to do when confronted by cops?

kwikrnu

Banned

6L6GC

Regular Member

heresyourdipstickjimmy

Regular Member

Phoenix David

Regular Member

kwikrnu

Banned

Dreamer

Regular Member

Brimstone Baritone

Regular Member

balackolama

Regular Member

Jack House

Regular Member

Anthony_I_Am

Regular Member

skidmark

Campaign Veteran