Man Illegally Stopped for Concealed Carry Uses Legal Precedence - Video

[Argos]

What should I do in this circumstance: a group of guys - two or more - come into a restaurant. I see that they are in plain everyday clothes and they are open carrying. Open carry is illegal in Arkansas. By their demeanor - pardon the "stereotyping" here - short hair, in relatively good shape and clean cut appearance. Do I call the police, go to the manager, get the hell out of there, go over to them and ask what kind of gun and ammo are they carrying, pull out a gun and tell them to get on the floor before the police arrive or assume their cops?

And if they are cops should I tell them that I don't like them carrying like that, complain to higher ups both political and in the department?

Is it Illegal: Yes, therefor reaction can be done within reason
Response: MYOB or Report Discreetly to managment.
Improper Responses: Holding them at Gun Point, Making a Scene, Complaining to the Manager in an obvious fashion, do anything that provokes a confrontation in a restaurant full of possible bystanders.

Like Cops, you have no obligation to save other peoples lives. Period. If they are not LTC (assuming it is a state that allows carry in a concealed fashion) and they get shot down, well, maybe they need to up their situational awareness and get an LTC. You are not a Street Judge, you are not judge, jury, and executioner.

Like this situation: a cop walks into a restaurant, he notices a patron's shirt has moved while he was in the booth, partial exposing. He could, draw down, issue command orders, arrest, cite, make a huge scene. Or, he can do what he did which was walk over and casually note this to the patron who surprised, thanks him and responds affirmative that he is licensed to carry. The cop asks for the license and the patron shows him. Cop says to keep better watch next time. Patron is admonished, no crimes have been committed, everyone is safely and happily eating their meal.

Reason, Logic, Common Sense. It applies to Policing, Law, and Life. Use them as tools to make the world better. No answer as to a situation will be 100% correct because as any sworn officer will tell you, no two situations are the same and any blanket protocol will fail in any given situation. Use your BRAIN, Gods gift to keep you out of trouble.

[MadKaw]

What should I do in this circumstance: a group of guys - two or more - come into a restaurant. I see that they are in plain everyday clothes and they are open carrying. Open carry is illegal in Arkansas. By their demeanor - pardon the "stereotyping" here - short hair, in relatively good shape and clean cut appearance. Do I call the police, go to the manager, get the hell out of there, go over to them and ask what kind of gun and ammo are they carrying, pull out a gun and tell them to get on the floor before the police arrive or assume their cops?

And if they are cops should I tell them that I don't like them carrying like that, complain to higher ups both political and in the department?

As you are not a policeman you are not obligated to do anything. If you feel endangered, notify the management and leave. If it doesn't bother you, why bother them?
Example: If I see someone speeding or making a turn without signaling - I just shrug my shoulders and drive on. If I see someone weaving all over the road - I call 911.

[NYPD]

Reason, Logic, Common Sense. It applies to Policing, Law, and Life. Use them as tools to make the world better. No answer as to a situation will be 100% correct because as any sworn officer will tell you, no two situations are the same and any blanket protocol will fail in any given situation. Use your BRAIN, Gods gift to keep you out of trouble.

One of the best statements I have ever read on this forum...spot on.

[aphdmansoc]

Have to agree w/stallard most of the LEO's around here don't even know simple traffic regs and most are super butt holes. Some I know personally and some I just know but most are just bullies with badges. Hope it is different in your area. Only a few around here are decent fair officers.

With that said there are good and bad people all over the place. When I came home from the service LE was recruiting prior service members real heavy. The best thing I've heard was from an old MSGT. There are 3 types of cops: ones that take their job with their heart, their head or their other head. Hopefully next time you have to deal with one it's one that took it to heart.

Like the song says "Two out of three ain't bad"

[aphdmansoc]

As you are not a policeman you are not obligated to do anything. If you feel endangered, notify the management and leave. If it doesn't bother you, why bother them?
Example: If I see someone speeding or making a turn without signaling - I just shrug my shoulders and drive on. If I see someone weaving all over the road - I call 911.

Madkaw...do I leave before or after paying the check?

[MadKaw]

Madkaw...do I leave before or after paying the check?

I would say that depends on your level of the threat level. You can always try to convince the judge that you were in eminent danger and had to leave.
Good luck with that.

[coloneljim]

Cops have a tough job. This one was just doing his. I would think any law abiding citizen would be inclined to help the cop do his job.

[winni]

I think the officer was very reasonable given that the individual was being a bit of a pratt. As a law abiding citizen he should have had no problem answering the officers questions. "Only the guilty need fear" I believe was the phrase I often used to hear. Is it not reasonable for an officer to do a stop and check if their is due cause. The due cause was an individual openly carrying a firearm. Surely people would complain if an officer did not do this,(dereliction of duty). All he had to do was to prove legal right by producing a licience. Police in the Uk would not be so reasonable. Once the firearm was in the officers possesion and the guy continued to argue points of law he would have been arrested for obstructing an officer.

[derrickplee]

i agree with winni...if you are doing no wrong then dont be like that...why...you want cops on your side...i understand the rights thing and totally support it but if i cop wants to know who you are then let him do it...it might help in the long run..imo

[Timdoyleus]

While i agree the guy is an ass, you are wrong the cops are not on your side their job is to arrest lawbreakers. I try to be polite to everyone and would present my id and permit if asked. I would not offer any other info it couldcome back to haunt you.