Police Confront Man for Open Carrying Firearm Legally

Originally posted on Liveleak:

Know your right folks....

This is as good of an example as you can get of asserting your rights. Pete is no stranger to filming police and this is the second video of his used by Cop Block. The first was confronting Arlington police officers about parking their cruiser illegally, which Cop Block is still waiting to hear the outcome of that investigation. Petes decisions to go to his girlfriends aid, film the police, open carry a firearm, refuse to produce ID and to walk away from the police,without satisfying their request, were all perfectly legal acts.

Though you dont ever have to talk to the police, Pete has a background in Law Enforcement along with a great knowledge of open carry laws. Therefore, while he still talked to the police and provided them with information, above and beyond whats legally required, he did so with caution. Stating things like, yes, I have an ID but am I legally required to show you? When told he was legally required to (a lie) Pete would ask if the officers could show him that statue which states such? Pete does this because the police are legally allowed to lie to you, which they did several times in this video, but Pete counters that by asking questions to the officers which would force them to back up their lies. As you can see they were unable to do that. After talking with them for a few minutes Pete stated he was going to leave and why, then slowly backed away.

They didnt follow him after that and he never had to produce his government issued ID. There really was no wrong doings by the police officers in this video (other than the harassment and lying) as they seemed to be stumped by Petes actions. Though they have typical cop syndrome of if you have nothing to hide why dont you just give us what we ask for and/or do what we say. Youd think that with all the police training and on the job experiences they would of quickly came to the conclusion that felons dont walk up to cops openly displaying not only a firearm but a camera too. Do these cops think that Pete is going to film his last five minutes of freedom, if he were a felon? I highly doubt it and Im speaking from the perspective of a felon (as Im a victim of the drug war).

So what can be learned from this video? A lot, but the two biggest things to me are how Pete always keeps his cool and doesnt get in a shouting match with the officers. He doesnt try to impress them with a bunch of legal rambling that would make him seem like a know it all. He lets the officers speak and then replies giving as little information as possible in a calm cool collected manner. The second is how Pete counters questions with questions. In most cases, unless driving or suspected of criminal activity, youre not required legally to produce ID when asked to by an officer. Cops phrase it as a request, may I see your ID? Which isnt them telling you to produced it but merely a request to. Sometimes when asked if you legally have to show them they lie and say yes because they can lie. Therefore instead of just handing it over ask them, Am I legally required to do so? If they say yes then ask to see the law. If you start to feel uncomfortable remember at any point you can simply stop talking to them. State that unless youre under arrest youre just going to go on your way, like Pete-8does here. Leaving the cops dumbfounded.

Category:

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[GoGreenMan]

your kind of a jerk! you just became suspicious walking up with a camera and a firearm displayed. yea you may be able to have it but that doesn't mean to have to have a camera out and walking up on him. At one point when I was in Afghanistan our ROE were to shoot on sight any person filming us!

[rurkoe]

@GoGreenMan Dude, wake up, man !!! This is not Afghanistan. Try to use reasonable sense while making a judgement...This is America.

[Kommandofdot]

quit messing with the cops on purpose people

[Socomnick]

This guy is a dipshit.

[MushiMGO]

It may not be illegal, but you're a fucking retard. Lucky you aren't black.

[DamonQM]

The cops should of took the camera, turned it off and gave this guy a good beat down.

[camdencomputertech]

@rurkoe LMAO Tell him

[HKMadness]

Im an NRA member and think this guy is an idiot for walking up on a traffic stop like that. The point of OC is to show cops and the public that there's no need to be alarmed at an armed citizen and that not all guys with guns are bad. Way to reflect poorly on the gun community, douche. Next time be more casual and go about your business nonchallantly.

[Pafoofnik1]

@1203125 said: "you're impeding on his privacy by filming"

He wasn't impeding according to N.M. law.

[ChazakAmats]

Wow, somebody's tough. Grow up.

[1203125]

@rurkoe You guys always go on about your constitution and rights to privacy, you're impeding on his privacy by filming. You went out to cause a hassle and that's what you got.

[Pafoofnik1]

@gtasalova6969 said: "Although Open carry is legal, if you are in an area where this is not commonly practiced, this can fall under reasonable suspicion. "

It sure can, but it can't be legally used to stop and question a person in New Mexico.

Like I said, be specific. Cite the law you believe the officer thinks has been or may be being violated here.

Like the courts said, good faith is not enough.

[gtasalova6969]

@Pafoofnik1 Walking up on an officer on a traffic stop is never a good idea, walking up on one while open carrying is borderline threatening. He doesn't currently have to be breaking a law. If the officer feels as if he may commit a crime, he can Terry stop him. The officer must articulate the reasonable suspicion. Although Open carry is legal, if you are in an area where this is not commonly practiced, this can fall under reasonable suspicion.