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UVU cops detained me for OCing on campus

151K views 767 replies 109 participants last post by  manithree 
#1 ·
Well, after OCin' for a year and a half at UVU (CC for three years), MWAG call went in to campus police...

I had just left a planning meeting with UVU student government for the upcoming Bob Bennett vs. Everyone else, Senatorial debate that our club is hosting, (April 2nd 12:00 @ UVU--shameless plug) when I took a ladder from the "Publicity Room" to adjust some of our club's banners that hang in the hallways. I was 15 feet from returning to the UVUSA offices when a VERY anxious cop approached me and very abruptly asked, "Can I see some I.D.?" So, not knowing whether I was required to show him I.D. or not while on campus, I complied and handed him my UVU ID and my CFP (I didn't think he was stopping me for carrying a ladder lol), then he said "No, I want your drivers license," and handed me back my UVU ID but he held on to my CFP. He then asked me why I had a gun on me and I said, "As a safety precaution, just like wearing my seatbelt." He then said, "No, why do you have it at school???" (meanwhile I'm holding a 10 foot ladder, wearing a heavy backpack and 2 FACULTY members walk by, say "hi" to me and two friends as well, ALL WHILE THIS COP IS BEHAVING LIKE HE IS ON THE VERGE OF TAZING ME!)

[It sucked because I was looking so incredibly guilty standing there in the hallway at the exact spot where all these people on campus whom I have told over and over again that OC is legal (with a CFP) and with whom I have built relationships of trust with about OCing, were seeing me be detained right where I interact with all of them on nearly a daily basis. GRRRR all that trust got thrown out the window today :-( ]

Back on point: I told the cop, politely, that the reason I have a gun at school is because I am within my legal right to do so and because a majority of mass shootings have occurred on college campuses--and I don't want to be a victim. At this point, and I'm not exaggerating when I say this, the cop was acting like he was just WAITING for me to make a wrong move or say something flippant so he would have an excuse to tackle me to the ground. I told him, AT LEAST THREE TIMES that it is completely legal for me to OC on UVU's campus because I have a CFP. He said he was going to give me a citation for disorderly conduct because they got a MWAG call and that I was absolutely wrong about OC on campus. At this point I started to get freaked out because the officer wasn't even allowing me to explain or use any logic, and his emotions were escalating VERY RAPIDLY. Thank goodness another officer arrived, who was much more level headed (but still didn't understand the law). Realizing that this wasn't going to be a 30 second stop, I remembered from reading previous threads on UCC.com that I should record any encounters with police. So I pulled out my iPhone, as casually as I could, and pressed record.

I apologize for the jumpiness at points in the video, I couldn't see if I was getting the officer's "in the shot" or not, and you might need to turn up the volume full blast to hear it all, I accidentally covered up the mic at times and I didn't get a shot of the first officer (the one that scared the crap out of me) but you can hear him speak up about charging me with disorderly conduct AND trespassing later on in the clip.

Now, I know that by posting this I am subjecting myself to public scorn and ridicule. I know there will be comments like, "Well, if it had been me, I would have said this..." and "You should have said this and this..." Please understand that I am a college student, nothing more, and that by the time I pressed record I was pretty shaken up by the first officer.
Looking back and listening to the clip I can think of at least a dozen different things that I wish I had said too...
Also understand, that when I did start recording, I was trying to deescalate a very tense situation that the previous officer had built up, and simply get the second officer to do most of the talking so I could have him put all of his opinions on the record, because the LAW was clearly no longer being discussed.
I know there are a lot of you on this forum who, when you hear some of the officers' comments, are going to pull your hair out...The recording starts with the second officer telling me that I'm giving OC "a bad name."

Before I post these videos, can I get in any kind of trouble for posting them???

Edit: Here are the links


Let the scrutiny begin lol
 
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#2 ·
It's my understanding that recording or taping a conversation is perfectly legal and requires no prior approval if you are a party in that conversation.

That being said, I want to make it clear that I'm not a lawyer and you should not take this as legal advice ;)
 
#5 ·
RanzITman said:
Can't find it, can't wait to see it! Did you ultimately receive a citation?
The only way they would let me go without a citation(s), Disorderly Conduct a Class C misdemeanor, and a Trespassing charge, was if I covered my gun with my shirt...it's all in the video.

The video is uploaded but still "processing". I'll post a link as soon as I know I won't get in trouble legally for uploading it...
 
#6 ·
MajorNickmo said:
...I told him that it is completely legal for me to OC on UVU's campus because I have a CFP.
Were you cited? If so, I would fight it to the point that hopefully the first officer and you are in front of a judge that will rip up your citation because you did not break the law.

Now make with posting the video, huh?

ETA: Looks like we were typing at the same time. IANAL either, but I think you are fine to post your video.
 
#8 ·
Stressing again that I'm not a lawyer and that my personal interpretation of UT law is not to be used as legal advice, here's the current Utah Code:

A person not acting under color of law may intercept a wire, electronic, or oral communication if that person is a party to the communication or one of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to the interception, unless the communication is intercepted for the purpose of committing any criminal or tortious act in violation of state or federal laws.
Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4(7)(b)
 
#10 ·
I would suggest carrying these with you. Gun Law Pamphlets
The wallet versions are very handy, and you can show them what the law is, since they obviously don't know. The parts in bold are the important parts. I always have some extras in my vehicle just in case I need to give one away.
Sorry the LEO was so lame. I hope you take it up with his supervisors and get him corrected on the law.
 
#11 ·
Wow, that's pretty crazy. I thought you handled yourself well. I'd hope I'd do that well. I too am a college student and while I don't open carry on campus I applaud that you do. It's sad that cops aren't better educated about the laws they enforce. I laughed a little when you brought up the part about that we have laws to tell us what we can't do. He was pretty shocked at that statement. The whole disorderly conduct thing is a joke. So many of these ordeals should be stopped at the 911 call. That's where a lot of the education needs to happen. Like someone mentioned is another thread, I'd be laughed at if I called 911 to report some scary lookin' gangsta dude! Anyway, nice work and I'd follow up with his last request. Maybe not Shurtleff but someone higher needs to set this guy straight.

^^IKE
 
#12 ·
Looks like you did well and maintained your cool. As an observer out of the stress of it all, I thought it interesting that he said if you open carry on campus your going to end up losing the right to do it. Well, what is the point of having the right if I don't use it?! What's the difference if I lose it if I can't use it when I have it? Too bad you can't rewind and ask him that.
 
#13 ·
Quite frankly, this is ridiculous.

If it were me, I'd be on the phone with the Orem PD (or UVU Campus police, whichever they were) and speaking with a Supervisor until I felt confident that they knew what the laws were. The fact is, your civil liberties were very close to being violated; and you were issued a direct, unlawful order by an Officer who (1)doesn't know the law and, (2)it seems, was making things up on the spot. He was obviously unaware of what and how the law (specifically, 76-10-505.5 & 53-5-704, in conjunction) reads.

In my opinion, an Officer of the Law who is ignorant of what the law says becomes nothing more than a tyrant with an opinion - the problem is that opinion is backed with badge and a sidearm.

That said, I applaud your efforts. You did very well in keeping a level head - I sincerely doubt I would have done as well.
 
#14 ·
From my understanding of UTAH law (I AM NOT A LAWYER).

A concealed carry permit allows an individual to carry a loaded weapon in public and allows concealment but DOES NOT REQUIRE CONCEALMENT.
A concealed firearm permit holder is exempt from the 1000 foot gun free school zone restrictions.

THE OPINION ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AT UVU IS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would suggest 2 contacts....

One to Mitch Vilos and the second to the Attorney General of the State of Utah.

Also, make a open records request for copies of ALL reports, calls, emails, and training information of officers related to firearms on campus.

You were NOT WRONG HERE, HE WAS!!!!!
 
#15 ·
MajorNickmo,
do things wrong? You did it RIGHT! You had the cop going "OH CRAP, this guy knows more than I do about this!" You had him backed into a corner and he HATED IT! My hat's off to you! Very well done. You spoke well, you knew the laws, and you kept your cool and were polite.
 
#16 ·
OH HECK NO! I just watched the second video. He's threatening you with school sanctions and banning from campus altogether. Dude, you better take this as high up as you can.
 
#17 ·
UtahJarhead said:
OH HECK NO! I just watched the second video. He's threatening you with school sanctions and banning from campus altogether. Dude, you better take this as high up as you can.
I should have just said, "Fine, arrest me because I know the law is on my side and I'll have the judge fix this for me."
Or I should have said, "Please call your superior."

Instead I just caved and gave into their illegal bluffs. :oops: :thumbdn:
 
#18 ·
Frustrating. You got cajones for being the one to be open carrying on campus, I wouldn't be willing to deal with it. I think everybody on this forum will take their hats of to you for the way you handled it. Sure, you can look back and think, "dang, shoulda said this..." but in reality you did awesome. Cop seemed like a reasonable, okay guy, or at least he was playing the reasonable, okay, buddy cop character, but he's still mistaken (and I think he knew it by the end of your conversation. He shifted to arguing school policy and backed off on the law after you explained it to him. The school policy bit is what we're dealing with up at the U). Better get some things clarified with campus police so that in the future these officers will see you open carrying on campus and nod at you with deference, because they found out they were in the wrong.
 
#19 ·
Please send your story and the video to Representative Becky Lockhart ( blockhart@utah.gov ). I have been talking to her about the need for a change in the disorderly conduct law because of this kind of incident. She told me that she has committed to working with the NRA in clarifying the Concealed Carry laws in next years legislature. (I haven't had a chace yet to ask her to work with USSC and take the NRA with a grain of salt).
 
#20 ·
I didn't think I would be so intimidated by these guys! I totally wussed out. :-( I REALLY wish I had had the cajones to pull my iPhone out at the very beginning, because that was the most intimidating part. Next time I'm asked for my ID, I'm going to pull out my phone at the same time.
I showed the officers who detained me, two other campus officers business cards who I have had previous conversations with about the legality of OCing on campus and that's why the officer in the video continues that conversation. (THEY even tried to intimidate me back then with a possible "disorderly conduct" charge too, but were much more civil about it.)

An email to Mitch Vilos has been sent.
Next up, my AWESOME state senator Margaret Dayton.
Then Congressman Chaffetz, who asked me two weeks ago (not 50 yards from where this went down) "I don't know why more Utahans don't OC." (This is why! Because we get intimidated by uneducated cops.)

Ugh...So now what...should I keep OCing? And have them arrest me next time?

IF they really want to arrest me for something, should I ask them to charge me with a weapons violation (which doesn't exist :thumbsup: ) instead of disorderly conduct because "disorderly conduct" is a total trumped up, BS charge. Am I right?
 
#21 ·
I just sent a message via Facebook to Rep. Carl Wimmer with a request that he look at this thread and let me know what he thinks about this....
 
#22 ·
rpyne said:
Please send your story and the video to Representative Becky Lockhart ( blockhart@utah.gov ). I have been talking to her about the need for a change in the disorderly conduct law because of this kind of incident. She told me that she has committed to working with the NRA in clarifying the Concealed Carry laws in next years legislature. (I haven't had a chace yet to ask her to work with USSC and take the NRA with a grain of salt).
The state legislatures consider Rep. Curtis Oda to be the "resident gun guy" that they turn to (Brad Daw, Margaret Dayton, and others have told me this). He may be a good person to contact as well as Becky Lockhart.

Curtis' email is: coda@utah.gov

Nick, I sent Mitch Vilos an email and we'll see what he suggests. I may see him at a shoot tomorrow and will talk with him there if he shows up. I'm committed to helping you with this since we are both students at UVU and I occasionally OC and got my picture with Chaffetz while OC-ing on campus (probably won't OC on campus until we can get this figured out). Shirtleff is on the radio enough that I plan to call in next time he's doing an interview to ask him about college OC and ask him to commit to clarify this with state colleges. I wonder if he'd be willing to show up to our April 2nd event since other high profile people will be there???

Anyway, you did a great job! My next phone will have to be an iPhone because mine doesn't have these capabilities.
 
#23 ·
JoeSparky said:
I just sent a message via Facebook to Rep. Carl Wimmer with a request that he look at this thread and let me know what he thinks about this....
Rep. Wimmer and I are friends on Facebook too :) Thanks all, for your support and for sending the word out.

Stephler said:
The state legislatures consider Rep. Curtis Oda to be the "resident gun guy" that they turn to (Brad Daw, Margaret Dayton, and others have told me this). He may be a good person to contact as well as Becky Lockhart.
Rep. Brad Daw invited my fiance and me to sit at his table last month at the Utah County Lincoln Day Dinner. (If you live in Orem, keep re-electing him, I wish I could) Shoot, two Saturdays ago I had lunch with Senator Hatch! It's not like I'm some hood rat thug that was causing a ruckus, nor have I ever done so at that school. I know every single member of the Student Government at UVU personally and I would have no problem with the bogus threats that this officer conjured up about charging me with trespassing and having to get "the academic department and student government involved."
 
#24 ·
MajorNickmo said:
I didn't think I would be so intimidated by these guys! I totally wussed out. :-( I REALLY wish I had had the cajones to pull my iPhone out at the very beginning, because that was the most intimidating part. Next time I'm asked for my ID, I'm going to pull out my phone at the same time.
I showed the officers who detained me, two other campus officers business cards who I have had previous conversations with about the legality of OCing on campus and that's why the officer in the video continues that conversation. (THEY even tried to intimidate me back then with a possible "disorderly conduct" charge too, but were much more civil about it.)

An email to Mitch Vilos has been sent.
Next up, my AWESOME state senator Margaret Dayton.
Then Congressman Chaffetz, who asked me two weeks ago (not 50 yards from where this went down) "I don't know why more Utahans don't OC." (This is why! Because we get intimidated by uneducated cops.)

Ugh...So now what...should I keep OCing? And have them arrest me next time?

IF they really want to arrest me for something, should I ask them to charge me with a weapons violation (which doesn't exist :thumbsup: ) instead of disorderly conduct because "disorderly conduct" is a total trumped up, BS charge. Am I right?
I think they KNOW a weapons charge won't stick so they are trying to use the old standby Disorderly Conduct instead!
What you do is your call, but I would recommend AFTER getting the Records request filed and getting the records--- THEN FILE THE COMPLAINT!
 
#25 ·
I just thought I'd point out that a LEO has every right to intimidate, harass, bluff, lie, and even threaten anyone for any reason he deems necessary. In all probability, this gentleman probably did nothing against the law or even against his department rules. However, do NOT let that stop you from filling a complaint should you choose to go that route. The point rings true that he was out of line and is certainly uninformed.

Again, you did an amazing job. Keep us updated on how this works out.
 
#26 ·
MajorNickmo said:
I didn't think I would be so intimidated by these guys! I totally wussed out. :-(
I strongly disagree. You did a GREAT job and handled yourself very well. I'm sorry this happened to you. That was a tough situation and I really appreciate you sharing it with us. Also, I agree with some of the others that you should take your complaint to a higher level.

Again, don't feel like you "wussed out." You did well.
 
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