Could this happen in Virginia?

[Culichor]

I was browsing around the web and found this, is this matter possible in Virginia? if you have CHP but you open carry, can this hurt your CHP? Again this di not happen to me,Thank you.

Me vs. Beaverton Police

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Hello, I decided to re-due this post.
On Sep 21, 2010 at approximately 4:30pm I decided to go to a plaid pantry store on Farmington Rd. a few blocks east of Murray blvd. in Beaverton. I am a Washington Co. Conceal Handgun License holder (valid) and so I decided to open carry my firearm in a blackhawk serpa level II holster. At approximately 4:40pm while I was about a block away from plaid I noticed a marked Beaverton police car come towards me in a high rate of speed, but the police vehicle slowed down as there was traffic in front of it. I could visually tell that the Officer in the passenger side of the police vehicle saw me with my sidearm. About ten seconds later I noticed another marked unit drive towards me. At this time no one approached me and I continued to walk towards plaid. Once I was in the plaid parking lot, I noticed a police vehicle pull in right behind me (reflection off the glass from the stores) and I continued to enter the plaid pantry and I purchased a pack of cigarettes and talked to the clerk for a few seconds and told her jokingly "look I bet there are here for me". As I began to walk towards the doors I noticed two uniformed officers coming towards the building and I decided to show them my CHL inside my wallet as I exited the store. They (officers Crino and Bennett) made contact with me and I gave them my IDs and they began to ask me as to why I was open carrying that day. I asked Officer Crino if I had permission to record the situation on my cell phone and he rudely said "NO! you don't have permission", and I understood, and I began to tell the officers that it was my right to do so and with a CHL I was legally able to do so. Officer Crino then began to tell me how it causes alarm and how it would be a better idea if I concealed carry. I told officer Crino that I was worried about my weapon printing and also I had the right to open carry, and officer Crino made the comment about how maybe I should get a bigger shirt and that my license is for CONCEAL CARRY not to open carry.
To make a long story short, I made it clear that I was within my legal right to open carry and that I was not violating any laws. Officer Crino looked as if he was getting annoyed, and I can only assume because I was standing my ground and not giving into his unwanted suggestions. Officer Crino also made it clear that it was legal for me to do what I was doing but it was casing alarm and they (police) had better things to do and they didn't want to keep on responding to the same call of a man with a gun. I told officer Crino that I understood his pint of view but I was not doing anything illegal... and he made a comment about how he also had the option of possibly contact Washington Co. about this matter, and how it could cause me to get my CHL revoked. I took that as a threat. At that time I should have stopped talking to officers Crino and Bennett but I did not stop talking and that was a big mistake on my part. I should have just gave them my CHL and kept quiet, but I told officer Crino that if it made the police happy, I would pull my shirt over my firearm and be done with it.
Two other officers showed up and after it was all over I obtained the officer's names accept for officer Crino's because he refused to give me his police card and said that his name was on his uniform and I understood. I know police don't have to give you their card and that their name and badge number are on their uniform (assuming they are a uniform officer). At close to 5:00pm I was able to walk away and I had a few questions for the officers but they said that they had to go and they had things to do. As I began to walk away I contacted Washington Co. none-emergency and requested to have a Sargent contact me so I could further understand the situation. I received a phone call back from Sargent Burke with the Beaverton Police Department and I spoke with him over the phone. I have provided a audio recording of my conversation with the SGT and it is missing about three seconds of the beginning due to technical difficulties and I also didn't remember the Sargent's name so I had to call none-emergency and have the dispatcher tell me what the contacting Sargent's name was and she informed me that it was SGT. Burke.

The funny thing was that officer Crino had contacted his SGT about this matter but officer Crino did not mention anything about him making comments about how he (Crino) could or had the option to contact Washington Co. about me open carrying and alerting the public and possibly causing my CHL to be revoked (IMHO if Crino did that he would look bad). I felt that if I was able to record the conversation between me and officer Crino, I would be able to provide proof to SGT. Burke about his officer's attitude towards my CHL permit. Also the subject of me being close to a school was brought up.... as far as I am concerned, the only school close to me was Beaverton High School and that was one (1) mile away from the plaid pantry (where I was contacted by police). I do not believe there were any other schools in the area other then BHS. Also as far as I know I CAN be on public school property with a firearm as long as it is concealed (unless it is private school/property) so I don't know why they tried to bring the whole school thing into play because I was not on school property.....

[chfaunce]

Possible? Maybe - I mean, I don't think it's absolutely impossible. Probable? Unlikely. Speaking from experience here in NoVA, I've gotten 2nd looks while OCing, but I've never been harassed by LE.

[OakRidgeStars]

Here's a better question that's sure to touch off a firestorm:

Why OC if you can legally conceal carry?. Let's hear your feedback.

[ShortMan]

Assuming this is Beaverton, Oregon we are talking about:

I lived there for a year while working at Tektronix, and my general impression was the place is full of bleeding heart liberals who despise anything related to guns or self-control or duty or responsibility. Never had any issues with the police but I am sure they respond to the will of the people, and the people up there do not wanna see guns or know anything about them.
And I hate the term bleeding heart liberal. I am a liberal on most topics aside from guns. But that town irritated the hell out of me. The two years I spent in Eugene were much better.

As for the general issue here, even if its legal I do not open carry or tell people I have a concealed weapon. It makes most folks nervous and some idiot may even call the cops. Just too many problems I would rather not deal with. Thats why I am looking forward to winter so I can start wearing a coat again. Getting tired of always having to put on a long shirt.

[jaywade]

I'm not a fan of OC, now I think it's your right if you want to, but it's not for me. OC calls attention to yourself form LEO's (not all but there are some that will looks at you and wonder), from anti-public citzens, and from bad guys.... a gun against 3-4 guys that want your gun is not a good place to be, that's why I CC, if I encounter a threat I can deal w/ it but by CC'ing my carring is NOT STARTING a encounter w/ a bad guy a LEO that either doesn't like or understand OC, or a anti-gun citzen.

To me it seems a lot of OC'ers are trying to be "in your face" about their right to carry a gun, not all but there is a fair amount of folks that seem to almost want to "flaunt" that right....me I prefer a cover shirt and a in the waist band holster, but to each's own

[chfaunce]

Here's a better question that's sure to touch off a firestorm:

Why OC if you can legally conceal carry?. Let's hear your feedback.

I don't do it very frequently, but depending on what I'm wearing, sometimes it's just a matter of comfort. For instance, I've noticed that I've put on a few pounds somewhat recently (which I'm working to correct!), so some of my jeans don't fit as well as they used to and thus carrying with an IWB doesn't help matters. So, I'll carry on my hip, and well, not all of my shirts are oversized either... basically, again, it comes down to comfort. I try not to be super in-your-face when I OC, though, and my G23 is pretty inconspicuous (sp?) even when I OC.

[VBshooter]

I OC daily,,,Summer duds don't allow for much cover up so to me its just easier to OC.. Fortunately VB cops , merchants, and citizens are not a paranoid lot...No issues in a couple of years!

[jrswanson1]

If gays can proudly display they are gay, I can proudly display my sidearm. We both have rights to do this. Personally, I'd rather CC as OC makes you a target. The cops in the area don't care, it's the dirtbags who will notice. I don't want to advertise I own firearms since my "safe" won't last long against a concerted attack.

Jim

[ShortMan]

If gays can proudly display they are gay, I can proudly display my sidearm. We both have rights to do this. Personally, I'd rather CC as OC makes you a target. The cops in the area don't care, it's the dirtbags who will notice. I don't want to advertise I own firearms since my "safe" won't last long against a concerted attack.

Jim

Which is why I dont do it.
Because of the rotten economy and our spoiled lifestyle, theres too many angry people running around America with something gnawing at them. I dont want to be the target of some idiot who needs to test himself or vent some rage.

[chfaunce]

Enraged or not, you have to wonder how many people would attack someone who was obviously . That's gotta take a special kind of derp. But, I guess there are some pretty "special" people out there...

All said, I personally prefer CC. I hold the element of surprise, and I don't freak out my fellow NoVAians.

[srwg9mm]

Here's a better question that's sure to touch off a firestorm:

Why OC if you can legally conceal carry?. Let's hear your feedback.

I carry because I want to be able to defend myself, I OC to reduce the odds that I will have to (that and it's a pain for women to CC). I want my gun to act as much as a deterrent as anything else. If someone is looking to start some trouble, more than likely they are going to skip messing with the girl with the gun on her hip and look for an easier target.

[cigarmanva]

of course it can. There is zero reason to think that cops here have any more idea of the laws then anywhere else in the country

[Jim]

I live in a one stoplight town of about 500. I tried it a couple of times and quickly got tired of nosy old ladies questioning me. Odd, never caught a man so much as even looking. Now, it's shirt tail out, long vest or jacket.
I'm retired from over 30 years in heavy construction. There was a bit of wise advice that you'd hear on a regular basis. "You don't start no $#1t, there won't be no $#1t".

[vsp39o2]

of course it can. There is zero reason to think that cops here have any more idea of the laws then anywhere else in the country

...when criticizing any group, it is best to have your grammar and spelling in order. Otherwise, you end up looking like a hick. Witness the above quote.

[gunderwood]

of course it can. There is zero reason to think that cops here have any more idea of the laws then anywhere else in the country

...when criticizing any group, it is best to have your grammar and spelling in order. Otherwise, you end up looking like a hick. Witness the above quote.

Is there anything wrong with being a hick? How does being a hick invalidate the criticism?

My education and number of degrees is head and shoulders above your average cop, am I allowed to criticize them?

[Vahunter]

I'm a hick so I better not say anything.

[vsp39o2]

of course it can. There is zero reason to think that cops here have any more idea of the laws then anywhere else in the country

...when criticizing any group, it is best to have your grammar and spelling in order. Otherwise, you end up looking like a hick. Witness the above quote.

Is there anything wrong with being a hick? How does being a hick invalidate the criticism?

My education and number of degrees is head and shoulders above your average cop, am I allowed to criticize them?

How would you feel if a cop was to elevate himself above the average citizen just because he holds more degrees/training/classes?

Speaking to the concept of "hick", I suspect your definition and mine are not the same. I am from the country, as is my family. We are proud country folks, and rightly so. A hick, where I come from, is one from the country who has no ambition. I guess, in other parts of the country, they are called "shiftless'(sp?). I don't think that's what you're driving at.

[cigarmanva]

of course it can. There is zero reason to think that cops here have any more idea of the laws then anywhere else in the country

...when criticizing any group, it is best to have your grammar and spelling in order. Otherwise, you end up looking like a hick. Witness the above quote.

....so rather then actually address my point you'd rather go ad hominem. There is zero reason to believe that every cop knows or cares about every law on the books. And i've read too many accounts of cops taking the law into their own hands, in general and in regards to oc, to think that it's simply an isolated case

[40shooter]

I think it can happen here, espcially in NOVA, think Alexandria/Olde Town. I CC for the element of surprise and to avoid unwanted attention.

[allingeneral]

of course it can. There is zero reason to think that cops here have any more idea of the laws then anywhere else in the country

...when criticizing any group, it is best to have your grammar and spelling in order. Otherwise, you end up looking like a hick. Witness the above quote.

....so rather then actually address my point you'd rather go ad hominem. There is zero reason to believe that every cop knows or cares about every law on the books. And i've read too many accounts of cops taking the law into their own hands, in general and in regards to oc, to think that it's simply an isolated case

I have to agree with Kevin's point. Cops aren't out there to interpret the law - that's a judge's job. So, if a cop thinks that you're on the wrong side of the law in any way, shape or form, they would rather take you in and let a judge sort it out. I've been there and done that...luckily, my situation was such that the cop was SO WRONG that the Commonwealth's Attorney asked to have the case dismissed when I went to court. Unfortunately for some, it isn't always that easy.

I have no problem OC'ing, but doing so certainly opens you up to much more scrutiny and possible repercussions. Keep it concealed and no one knows, therefore, no one can raise a stink about it.