I posted on the issue yesterday but made it clear, I thought, that the real
issue was the intimidation implied in the wanton display of weapons. The
public is well adjusted to the fact that uniformed policemen will carry arms
visibly. It is also commonly accepted that non uniformed officers are armed
as well. For the most part, non uniformed officers show their weapons only
as a means of establishing authority in a situation.
My response was to the officer, uniformed or not, whose demeanor and
presence is intended solely to intimidate. There are many words used to
describe this type, even within police ranks, so they do stand out even to
their own. The attitude seems to shout,"I have a gun and you'd better not
give me cause to use it". In this instance the weapon displayed is more a
threat to the public than it is a tool to keep the peace. This is clearly
manifest in the persons demeanor, and is transmitted to any who encounter
them.
This cannot be ignored because it is counter to what we would like our
families, friends , and neighbors to experience in or police. It also sets
the tone for encounters in the line of duty. If persons subject to a stop by
one of this caliber, is it not natural to fear for their lives? That being
the case, or even a possibility, should it not raise a red flag to those who
are concerned? I am appalled at the idea that communities around the country
are engaging in "teaching citizens how to survive a police stop". But we
have all witnessed, or at least have knowledge of, incidents where lives are
lost because of this very fact.
Notice also that this discourse is given completely to "policemen"; issues
of carry permits certainly include policemen, but the focus should be more
towards issues involving the citizens right to carry. It is also a
dis-service to policemen everywhere who try to uphold the law and respect
the rights of individuals in doing so.
Robert Anderson
IP Candidate 61B
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2000 9:21 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Re: handguns and carry permits
For purposes of clarity, I must ask:
Are you criticizing the fact that guns were (1) in plain sight, (2)
assumed to be concealed, or (3) used at all by police officers?
In other words, should officers conceal the guns, not conceal them, or
not carry them at all? (In your esteemed opinions - Tim, Steve, Holle,
anyone else.)
Connie Sheppard
Ward 6 - Ventura Village
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