[jimtheguern]

I finally decided to take the plunge today and go open carry. Just a short trip to Lowes here in Bountiful (baby steps) but I was still a little nervous. I managed to get through the returns area without incident. "Hey this isn't so bad" I began to think, my confidence growing. I then entered the main area and tracked down the wife to the paint department where she was getting advice from one of the store clerks. I walked up and were all joking around. Once we had what we needed we began to walk away from each other. it was then he turned to me and said "Oh are you a cop?". "No" I say with a little trepidation. This is the moment I was dreading, the confrontation. It turns out the guy is about to go to the police academy and was actually just interested in what I carried. We got to speaking about laws in Utah. He was saying how it shocked him that there so many officers out there who were unaware of what our rights actually were.

It was overall a very pleasant experience. And it was nice to see that there at least a few future police officers who are aware of the laws. Bountiful Lowes: Firearm Friendly! :crown:

 

[Utah_patriot]

Very good I am glad it was good for you. I hope it goes well for you as you continue your experience. Even if it does not work for you and you interact with Law Enforcement stand your ground and over all it will be positive for you.

 

[Snoopy]

We got to speaking about laws in Utah. He was saying how it shocked him that there so many officers out there who were unaware of what our rights actually were.

I work with a gentleman who just completed POST and he had about the same thing to say. His instructors appeared to be very cognizant of the situation, but they dont know how or what to do to get the right information into the hands of those already in "the field". The good news to take out of this is that the rookies are getting the right information.....

 

[GeneticsDave]

His instructors appeared to be very cognizant of the situation, but they dont know how or what to do to get the right information into the hands of those already in "the field".

I don't understand this mentality. It's called "mandatory training." Pretty simple actually. You just get the officers in a room and tell them the law, then tell them how to enforce it. Then you send them back out and reprimand any who incorrectly enforce the law. Doesn't seem like such an impossible task, all you need is a command from the state level requiring it in all departments.

Jim, great job! Keep it up! Pretty soon it will feel like second nature

 

[jimtheguern]

Thanks for the support guys. I agree with you there Dave. Sadly the superiority complex we have seen from many officers (not all, I know there are a lot of fine men and women out there doing a great job) is a problem pretty much everywhere you go. It's a sad reality that there are some officers out there who didn't join to serve the community but instead to feed a power trip.

 

[Snoopy]

It's a sad reality that there are some officers out there who didn't join to serve the community but instead to feed a power trip.

Amen, brother...what's the saying about a few bad apples....Too bad it isn't the other way around (a few good making the bunch whole again), or maybe with the help of us and others like minded we can!