Just wanted to say hi - moving to Racine next month and wanted to see what the rules were in the area.
So how does one proceed or who does one talk to?
Racine county sheriff's office as well as the county DA support a charge of disorderly conduct should one open carry. Whether you get arrested or not depends on your demeanor and the particular attitudes of the officers involved. At the very least, you will get a ticket. Hopefully, all this will change if Jesus' lawsuit is successful.Would it be worthwhile to actually talk to the Racine prosecutor?
Well if the police officer said he might shoot you, I think the opinion of the prosecutor is down the list of our concerns. On the other hand, if the prosecutor is smart, he would advise the various law enforcement agencies that they better get a grip.Would it be worthwhile to actually talk to the Racine prosecutor?
Ah, that officer is very knowledgeable of Racine city ordinance Sec. 66-58. "Possessing dangerous weapon. Unless otherwise provided by law, no person, except a bona fide peace officer, shall be found at or upon any public place in the city carrying or having within his reach any dangerous weapon, whether concealed or in plain view. "Plain view" within the meaning of this section does not include weapons carried in a case which does not permit immediate access to such weapons."Really!, even though it's legal to open carry in the state of WI? It's not legal.
Seldon wrote:Well if the police officer said he might shoot you, I think the opinion of the prosecutor is down the list of our concerns. On the other hand, if the prosecutor is smart, he would advise the various law enforcement agencies that they better get a grip.Would it be worthwhile to actually talk to the Racine prosecutor?
Police officer education is the MOST fundamental and pressing need in Wisconsin. We already have the law on our side, now we need the lawmen (and women) on the same page. Hopefully it won't take somebody getting hurt or killed to get the departments throughout the state to realize there is a growing open carry movement in the state and to assure that their officers have a clear understanding of the laws associated with legally armed citizens. If anyone gets the sort of response that Seldon received then clearly that department needs to be contacted before the issue becomes more than just a hypothetical! Just a friendly "What the hell gives with this crap? One of your officers just said they'd shoot a person who was breaking no law!" letter to the Chief might do the trick. OK, you can make it friendlier than that, but I would make sure that you express outrage of some degree, because that is an outrageous statement by that officer. And to think some people think it will become like the "wild West" if civilians are carrying arms? Well yes, it will belike that if people are getting gunned down on sight by the local constable who thinks they're the only law in the land.
If the Chief of Police doesn't give a good response, then I would go up to the next level-- the mayor, police commission, county board, or whatever level is above the chief. Might want to cc the city attorney or corporation counsel also. They probably won't repond to YOU, but they might give a friendly confidentional word of advice to whom they do represent.
Indeed. Unfortunately there are expectations of aggressive behavior among cops. They are also generally taught to consider EVERYBODY they come in contact with as a potential threat.I try not to bash LEO's, but the poor behavior that is typical of some casts the rest of them in a very bad light.
IMO more officers need to interject when a fellow officer is known for abusing their power, if they do not, they are no better than the other guy.
Bashing is commonly defined as 'harsh criticism' but any criticism, however well meaning, is interpreted as too harsh by them and their apologists.I try not to bash LEO's, but the poor behavior that is typical of some casts the rest of them in a very bad light.
The thing is--if it is the truth--it is not bashing. Bashing is unwarranted criticism, the truth is exactly that--the truth, like it or not--and more often than not--they and the apologists don't like the truth.Nutczak wrote:Bashing is commonly defined as 'harsh criticism' but any criticism, however well meaning, is interpreted as too harsh by them and their apologists.I try not to bash LEO's, but the poor behavior that is typical of some casts the rest of them in a very bad light.
I have long been an advocate for LEOs and active on citizens' commissions but still, to hypersensitive cop apologists, a basher.
See http://www.cicp.org/