Approached by officer while open carry (NE Ft Wayne)

[Coaster]

I agree. It sounds as though both persons involved handled the situation as mature, responsible adults.

 

[modelflyer2003]

I have a couple of questions. You mean to say that your first words weren't "Am I being detained?" and "I am recording this conversation. What is your name, officer?"
Well done on both parties. The biggest dangers in the whole account are the take-out food and the drives to and from.

 

[Sarge470]

Looks to me like it was well-handled. I'm surprised, considering the officer was a Ft. Wayne officer. Not the most carry-friendly department, but as this interaction shows, not every officer in that department is an idiot.

Patriot, I've already posted on this board that FWPD officers have been specifically briefed regarding open carry contacts and the right of citizens do do so. With that in mind, it would seem that Fort Wayne police officers are some of the more well-informed in the state regarding carry laws. On behalf of all of us, I'll accept your apology in advance.

 

[hooky]

On behalf of all of us, I'll accept your apology in advance.

Why the need to tag that on at the end?

Seems like you just cancelled out the positives coming from the encounter.

 

[Kutnupe14]

Why the need to tag that on at the end?

Seems like you just cancelled out the positives coming from the encounter.

How so? Patriot made a sweeping generalization about officers in Ft. Wayne, and Sarge explained why his generalization was in error.

 

[hooky]

He made his point in a professional manner. It made sense. But I felt the apology line just made him look arrogant, which is one of the complaints that is brought up over and over in negative LEO posts. IMO, he is playing to the generalization.

 

[sloughfoot]

Patriot, I've already posted on this board that FWPD officers have been specifically briefed regarding open carry contacts and the right of citizens do do so. With that in mind, it would seem that Fort Wayne police officers are some of the more well-informed in the state regarding carry laws. On behalf of all of us, I'll accept your apology in advance.

Right on sarge470.

 

[GuyRelford]

Fort Wayne police officers are some of the more well-informed in the state regarding carry laws.

The OP's encounter certainly supports this statement.

+1, Sarge!

 

[96firephoenix]

Sounds like a good response to a MWAG call. I think you should follow up and call the guy's boss and let him know that you appreciated the courtesy.

Patriot, I've already posted on this board that FWPD officers have been specifically briefed regarding open carry contacts and the right of citizens do do so. With that in mind, it would seem that Fort Wayne police officers are some of the more well-informed in the state regarding carry laws. On behalf of all of us, I'll accept your apology in advance.

Just for the sake of argument, he said "not the most carry-friendly dept.," not "not the most well-informed about carry dept." I don't know nor have I heard either way, but just pointing out what he said. /trolling

 

[Sarge470]

I think it's probably safe to say that most problems with open-carry response from police officers is a lack of familiarity with the statutes that govern the carry of handguns in Indiana. When an officer appears unfriendly toward open carry, it's probably because his/her department has failed to expend the effort to train him/her in proper handling of the call, including protection of the citizen's rights under Indiana statutes. Our agency has demonstrated a commitment to the professional response of MWAG calls (as evidenced by the officer's response), by virtue of its dissemination of information to line officers and supervisors so the Philly fiasco is not repeated here. The sweeping and ill-informed generalization about to FWPD's relationship with law abiding gun owners is in error, and referring to its officers as idiots is uncalled for and offensive.

 

[victor 1971]

Good story. I think you and the officer both did a great job. If you ever watched the program The Best Defense, you may be aware of how those confrontations can quickly turn sour. You are smooth and knowledgable.

 

[Booya]

I think it's probably safe to say that most problems with open-carry response from police officers is a lack of familiarity with the statutes that govern the carry of handguns in Indiana. When an officer appears unfriendly toward open carry, it's probably because his/her department has failed to expend the effort to train him/her in proper handling of the call, including protection of the citizen's rights under Indiana statutes. Our agency has demonstrated a commitment to the professional response of MWAG calls (as evidenced by the officer's response), by virtue of its dissemination of information to line officers and supervisors so the Philly fiasco is not repeated here. The sweeping and ill-informed generalization about to FWPD's relationship with law abiding gun owners is in error, and referring to its officers as idiots is uncalled for and offensive.

I'm always taken aback slightly when I hear stories of FWPD getting all belligerent with OC'rs. I've never even been approached by a FWPD officer while carrying, and I've stood next to them in line, walked by them at gas stations 100 times. I generally CC, but not well. It's fairly obvious I have a weapon since I generally always wear T-shirts, but no officer has ever said anything to me even when I've OC'd. I tend to feel like the Fort is very carry friendly. Then again, I suppose they've never been responding to a MWAG call in regards to me.

Either way 2, from me to the FWPD, this encounter seemed to go very well.

 

[cschwanz]

Nicely handled by both parties. I live about 5 minutes from that area of town.

 

[cosermann]

If one had an opportunity to talk with the officer further, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he thinks OC by uniformed officers is a bit different due to perceived officer presence/authority vs. LTCH holders or even officers out of uniform. FWIW, the officers I know CC when out of uniform. Sounds like a reasonably positive encounter.

 

[ATM]

I'd have sat down and debated OC vs CC with him for an hour or so, enjoying every second of it.

Of course, then I'd hear about it later for bringing home cold food.


But it sounds like a quick and civil discussion. Well done by both paties.

I can only hope that whomever called in was still around to witness the complete non-issue that it was.

 

[MtnBiker6510]

You should have gotten the officer's name and called his commander to let him know about your positive encounter.

It was my first encounter with a LEO since I've tried OC'ng. I wish I had, thats a great idea. Another thing in hindsight that I would do differently.

 

[sloughfoot]

It is not too late. His boss is Deputy Chief Davis. She can look up who it was in the system. You can also get a complaint form from IA and write it up, in this case a commendation, for his actions during the incident. That way, everybody is made aware of this positive interaction.

 

[Bunnykid68]

Come on guys, you expect me to believe there was a decent interaction with a LEO concerning MWAG. Hogwash.

Kudos to you and the responding officer. I think you both handled it well.

 

[Hotdoger]

I think it's probably safe to say that most problems with open-carry response from police officers is a lack of familiarity with the statutes that govern the carry of handguns in Indiana. When an officer appears unfriendly toward open carry, it's probably because his/her department has failed to expend the effort to train him/her in proper handling of the call, including protection of the citizen's rights under Indiana statutes. Our agency has demonstrated a commitment to the professional response of MWAG calls (as evidenced by the officer's response), by virtue of its dissemination of information to line officers and supervisors so the Philly fiasco is not repeated here. The sweeping and ill-informed generalization about to FWPD's relationship with law abiding gun owners is in error, and referring to its officers as idiots is uncalled for and offensive.

Were these responses part of the training?

A lot of people are intimidated when they see someone carrying a firearm or make you a target for someone wanting to take it away from you”

“I think to carry concealed would be smarter as it gives you the element of surprise.”

“I disagree”

Seems to me he is trying to coerce him to not OC.

 

[jsharmon7]

Seems to me he is trying to coerce him to not OC.

It does sound that way. Just like a non-LEO approaching an OC'er and saying the same things. So what?