TechStuffBC
New member
First-ever LEO Interaction
- This interaction was with the State Police (SP) on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 @ 1:34PM.
- I did not have my CWP yet, thus I was OC'ing. I OC on my 4PM (back-right side) and carrying my coat draped over my left forearm (e.g, not wearing the coat lest I be accused of CC’ing sans a CWP).
- I did not have a recording device; was unaware of the potential usefulness of such.
- This interaction occurred at the State Capital Building, as I was there to receive addition info on state laws from both the Governor and Lt. Governor's offices regarding our state's OC/CC resulting from inquiries I made to the respective Offices via email. I was also scanning relevant pages from our state's code dating back to 1892 at the Legislative Resource Library regarding firearm laws. I arrived at the building just before 8:00am that morning*.
- While in the Governor’s office, the SP LEO did see me, though he didn't/couldn't initially view my 4pm OC as I was facing his direction with my right hand on my hip (left hand 'carrying' my coat). I raised my right hand up slightly to gesture a simple "Hi" and a gentle nod his direction.
- A few minutes later I did turn to the left away from the LEO to sign the Governor’s "guest book" and exit, having concluded my personal business. A few steps out of the Governor’s office I noted that the LEO and another non-uniformed person began following me as I walked toward the Lt. Governor’s office. I then observed 2 other non-uniformed persons joined the LEO and other person. As I entered the Lt. Governor’s office they were grouped & talking some 30 feet away; the LEO pointed in my direction.
- It took only 30+ seconds to conduct my personal business with the Lt. Gov's office, though the LEO stepped in and requested to speak with me "in the hall."
- The LEO introduced himself and the non-uniformed person identified himself as a U.S. Marshall (he noted he was visiting with that specific LEO that day). The 2 other non-uniformed persons were about 30 feet way just around the corner.
- The LEO asked my name, which I provided. The LEO "strongly informed" me, and a few times at that, that if I "put [my] coat on would be violating state law." The U.S. Marshall also took opportunity to “strongly inform" me of federal laws. I did affirm that I was cognizant of local, state and federal laws. I also noted that my visit to the Capital Building was to receive addition info on such state laws from both the Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s offices. The interaction lasted around 2 minutes.
- Having concluded my personal business, I departed toward the direction of the 2 non-uniformed persons, saying "Howdy, guys" as I walked past.
Learned Elements:
1) Be exceedingly persistent to be aware of all persons and events, when possible, wherever you are at. Very helpful when you choose to visit (what the LEO described as) "sensitive" locations.
- *I was unaware of the so-called "powdery substance" event (it was either residue off the rubber bands around the letters, or possibly even dust from mail processing equipment) at the State's Mail Room (below the Capital Mall Parking Garage a block away) earlier that day. I was at the Building since before 8:00AM that morning and the incident occurred around 7:52 AM, Hence, security was heightened that specific day.
2) When visiting the Capital Building or other such locations, dress professional-like (OC Etiquette #2). Specifically, business or business-casual; no hats, when possible.
- Since I was going pheasant hunting later that day, I had wore my "pheasant-hunting" gear: your basic jeans, a darker-red colored T-shirt, sneakers and a well-worn/kinda dirty baseball cap. Again, while I wasn’t aware of the “powdery substance” event, my attire didn’t exactly bode well in my favor. Clothing can and should beget and represent a mental change/state-of-mind.
- My conclusion is that being stopped by the LEO (& his federal counterpart) was 100% "warranted" given the so-called "powdery substance" event earlier that day. For them I have extreme respect and I tip my virtual hat to them doing their due diligence.
- This interaction was with the State Police (SP) on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 @ 1:34PM.
- I did not have my CWP yet, thus I was OC'ing. I OC on my 4PM (back-right side) and carrying my coat draped over my left forearm (e.g, not wearing the coat lest I be accused of CC’ing sans a CWP).
- I did not have a recording device; was unaware of the potential usefulness of such.
- This interaction occurred at the State Capital Building, as I was there to receive addition info on state laws from both the Governor and Lt. Governor's offices regarding our state's OC/CC resulting from inquiries I made to the respective Offices via email. I was also scanning relevant pages from our state's code dating back to 1892 at the Legislative Resource Library regarding firearm laws. I arrived at the building just before 8:00am that morning*.
- While in the Governor’s office, the SP LEO did see me, though he didn't/couldn't initially view my 4pm OC as I was facing his direction with my right hand on my hip (left hand 'carrying' my coat). I raised my right hand up slightly to gesture a simple "Hi" and a gentle nod his direction.
- A few minutes later I did turn to the left away from the LEO to sign the Governor’s "guest book" and exit, having concluded my personal business. A few steps out of the Governor’s office I noted that the LEO and another non-uniformed person began following me as I walked toward the Lt. Governor’s office. I then observed 2 other non-uniformed persons joined the LEO and other person. As I entered the Lt. Governor’s office they were grouped & talking some 30 feet away; the LEO pointed in my direction.
- It took only 30+ seconds to conduct my personal business with the Lt. Gov's office, though the LEO stepped in and requested to speak with me "in the hall."
- The LEO introduced himself and the non-uniformed person identified himself as a U.S. Marshall (he noted he was visiting with that specific LEO that day). The 2 other non-uniformed persons were about 30 feet way just around the corner.
- The LEO asked my name, which I provided. The LEO "strongly informed" me, and a few times at that, that if I "put [my] coat on would be violating state law." The U.S. Marshall also took opportunity to “strongly inform" me of federal laws. I did affirm that I was cognizant of local, state and federal laws. I also noted that my visit to the Capital Building was to receive addition info on such state laws from both the Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s offices. The interaction lasted around 2 minutes.
- Having concluded my personal business, I departed toward the direction of the 2 non-uniformed persons, saying "Howdy, guys" as I walked past.
Learned Elements:
1) Be exceedingly persistent to be aware of all persons and events, when possible, wherever you are at. Very helpful when you choose to visit (what the LEO described as) "sensitive" locations.
- *I was unaware of the so-called "powdery substance" event (it was either residue off the rubber bands around the letters, or possibly even dust from mail processing equipment) at the State's Mail Room (below the Capital Mall Parking Garage a block away) earlier that day. I was at the Building since before 8:00AM that morning and the incident occurred around 7:52 AM, Hence, security was heightened that specific day.
2) When visiting the Capital Building or other such locations, dress professional-like (OC Etiquette #2). Specifically, business or business-casual; no hats, when possible.
- Since I was going pheasant hunting later that day, I had wore my "pheasant-hunting" gear: your basic jeans, a darker-red colored T-shirt, sneakers and a well-worn/kinda dirty baseball cap. Again, while I wasn’t aware of the “powdery substance” event, my attire didn’t exactly bode well in my favor. Clothing can and should beget and represent a mental change/state-of-mind.
- My conclusion is that being stopped by the LEO (& his federal counterpart) was 100% "warranted" given the so-called "powdery substance" event earlier that day. For them I have extreme respect and I tip my virtual hat to them doing their due diligence.
