Deputy not too nice...

[moga]

I don't think the deputy was invited to the house to dispense his opinions on all that he sees, but to take a police report relative to a single event.

I live in a densely populated area. Hence, I would never put my AR in the rack of my truck outside of my home, even for a moment. Yet there are other areas of my state where I wouldn't think twice about it, because there are probably 5 ppl for every square mile of land. What is the likelihood that a thief will walk by my truck in the window of opportunity after I've arrived but before I'm soon set to leave my home once again when there are so few people in the surrounding area to being with? You people that are criticizing the young man for temporarily storing his rifle in the truck, how do you know this is not true for his case?

we were walking fron the front of the house to the garage when he walks to my truck and asks if its real... i say yes. and he says " have you ever been pulled over for it or had a gun shoved in your face"!!!!!! ***!!!! i say no and he asks why i have it.

I took the deputy's comments not as a criticism at all of where his rifle is stored but on the subject of a young man owning a AR in general. The implication of his comments as I read it is that the deputy's hardwired response to seeing an AR in the rear rack of a truck is to put a gun in the face of the vehicle operator because they must be a threat.

Smokey was a jerk, and was not solicited for his advice on your gun ownership, but remember, not all LE share his attitude or opinions.

 

[230RN]

SuperDuty7.3 (OP) said:

I had been out earlier that morning so I took my AR and stuck it in my gun rack in the back window of my truck. When I got home I left it there because I was leaving again soon.

Sounds reasonable to me. However, I can't blame him for mentioning the "attractive nuisance" aspect of it, but I don't think I'd have worded as strongly as, "have you ever been pulled over for it or had a gun shoved in your face." Strikes me that you might have been a little confrontational on the matter, though.

I'd'a just said something to the effect of, "Yeah, I was going to go out again in a short while." And at least you didn't have to "prove up" on ownership, that is, having it removed from your truck for a serial number check.

I don't see much wrong with your English, except for capitalization. And I don't know how to abbreviate "Toilet-Papered" either. Tipeed or TPed is good enough for me. Frankly, I'm more concerned about people's reading skills than your writing skills.

My son used to have problems with being pulled over for picayune things and I once advised him to buy a grey wig and some steel-rimmed glasses whenever he drove around.

 

[MASTEROFMALICE]

If it makes you feel better, I'd have told you right to your face how stupid it was to leave an unattended firearm out in public view.

Then you could come here and whine to everyone about how I didn't know what I was talking about.

You, of course, DO know what you're talking about. After all, you know Deputies Jones and Smith which makes you an expert on criminals stealing your guns which you put out for them and then leave.

See, this doesn't just concern you. When a criminal steals a gun, he doesn't steal it just to have it in his closet. He steals it because it's going to be used later, either by him and some other freak he'll sell it to.

So if the cop seemed a little pissed that you provided firearms access to every Hannibal Lecter/Dylan Klebold/Osama Bin Laden wannabe, well, maybe he was right, even if he is just some idiot cop and clearly just a puppet of "the man".

If you'll excuse me I'm going to go leave a handgun on my mailbox in case any of the kids getting off the schoolbus want to play cowboys and indians.

 

[daniel1113]

So, I'm not allowed to have access to my property because a criminal could steal that property and misuse it? I do hope you're being facetious, as law abiding citizens shouldn't have to give up their rights because of the actions of criminals.

 

[Black Knight]

Like others have mentioned he was probably thinking about being stolen from you. Here in central Virginia during the 70's and 80's many guys would put their hunting rifles in a rack in their window and go to work or whatever. When they got back their rifle was gone. There was even one guy (a painter) who was painting a house and was up on the ladder. His personal and business truck was parked in front of the house he was painting. The ladder was no more than 35 feet from the truck. Someone stole his rifle while he was on the ladder. They never caught the guy or got the rifle back.

 

[rc109a]

I think almost everyone agrees that the deputy could have used more class then what he displayed. Did he have to say anything about it since he was there for another call? Yes, in most places a deputy would be required to inform you of a potential problem. If he did not say anything about it and another officer pulled you over the first words out of your mouth would have been "well deputy XXX saw it and said nothing about it". I believe this because you were very quick to point it out to this deputy about the others comments. Once again he should have chosen his words carefully, but at least try to see the other side as well. Like all stories we are only being told one side of it. I am sure the deputy has another side that probably would be different (no I am not implying either one is telling a lie, just different views).

 

[springmom]

So, I'm not allowed to have access to my property because a criminal could steal that property and misuse it? I do hope you're being facetious, as law abiding citizens shouldn't have to give up their rights because of the actions of criminals.

There is a big difference between "having access" to a gun and having hanging in the window of your truck. There is a big difference between the right to keep and bear arms and the action of advertising your cool rifle by showing it off in the gun rack. You are mad at the guy; I get that. You were probably embarrassed, particularly when he talked to your dad, and I get that too.

But he was RIGHT.

One more point about "access to property". I am willing to bet that you keep your cash money in your pocket, probably in a wallet. You don't walk around town riffling through a wad of bills just in case you need to pay for something quickly. You keep your money where you do in order NOT to present yourself as a target for robbery. You have the RIGHT to carry it around and showing it to everybody, but it would be asking for trouble if you did. Likewise, keep your guns where they are NOT visible, for the same reason.

Springmom

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

what did your dad think? he give you
"feedback"?


i can't say what you are like but many moons ago i mighta displayed my gun in a rack. in my case back then my motives and thought process weren't all they mighta been.
imight not have considered that if i got in a beef the other party might be inclined to ratchet their initial response higher than i might like seeing as how they would feel the need to raise your gun in the window somehow. sometimes the consequences can be real exciting

 

[brighamr]

This is THR, stop the COP bashing!!!

/sarcasm

 

[PTK]

open carry is restricted in most municipal jurisdictions.

Only Denver so far as I know...

 

[Geno]

Truthfully, I see both sides. First, you have every right to carry it in the open. The politicians affirmed the right via legislation (That was really big of them).

However, and unfortuantely, not all LEOs are pro-firearms, and frankly, not all LEOs have common sense. I suspect that is what this particular LEO was trying to say to you. He may not have said it so nicely, but I think that was his motivation. If he had been an anti, he probably would have made you fight a legal battle to get your rifle back. See my point?

Regardless, make an informed decision and be safe.

Doc2005

 

[The Tourist]

Maybe I can help with this in a manner that makes some sense.

If you've ever seen a James Garner movie called "Barbarians at the Gate" you'll understand how and why these things happen in daily exchanges.

First off, you have to understand that defending yourself against your boss, talking to a traffic officer, nuclear war and a kids' game of tag are all the same thing.

Second,the idea of "winning" is not always winning. I can fight, but if Schwarzenneger's android came to my door with a mini-gun, I'd retreat and scream like a girl. It would be better to shoot the robot in the back as he leaves.

It's not only picking your battles, it's also picking the time frame, the tools, honestly assessing your powers and mental agility and clearly defining just what you want to "win."

I was a good bill collect and credit manager. Made and recouped millions for my clients. However, had I been with you next to the truck I would have said something like, "Thanks for pointing that out, I thought I was complying with the law."

The "win" was keeping your rifle, avoiding arrest and not making a connected and powerful enemy.

It's makes not one whit what the officer's problem is/was. He's the "Barbarian at the Gate," and your job is to win.

 

[coyotehitman]

Another thread that serves only to stir the pot and bring out extremists, cop bashers, and serve no real purpose other than to create and fuel conflict.

i explain Colorado Revised Stautes to him and drop other Deputy names that are friends of mine that have ok'd it.

Oh, well, this should have alleviated any further "hassle" for you.

The point is that something happened that you do not like or agree with, get over it. If you cannot get over it, eleminate the problem and do not carry your gun in your pickup window.

 

[daniel1113]

There is a big difference between "having access" to a gun and having hanging in the window of your truck. There is a big difference between the right to keep and bear arms and the action of advertising your cool rifle by showing it off in the gun rack. You are mad at the guy; I get that. You were probably embarrassed, particularly when he talked to your dad, and I get that too.

But he was RIGHT.

One more point about "access to property". I am willing to bet that you keep your cash money in your pocket, probably in a wallet. You don't walk around town riffling through a wad of bills just in case you need to pay for something quickly. You keep your money where you do in order NOT to present yourself as a target for robbery. You have the RIGHT to carry it around and showing it to everybody, but it would be asking for trouble if you did. Likewise, keep your guns where they are NOT visible, for the same reason.

First, I am not the OP.

Second, just because it may not be a good idea doesn't make it illegal or wrong. The cop had no more reason to comment on the gun than he would if the OP had an expensive bike stored in his truck bed. If the OP is willing to accept the risk of property theft, that's up to him and him alone.

 

[Old Dog]

Starting to think there are people on this board who just wait for threads such as this to pop up so they have an opportunity to spout their opinions as to how they perceive the quality of law enforcement in general country-wide.

Gee, the deputy was "not too nice ..." Waaah. Get over it. Do you whine publicly on the internet if someone at the DMV, the public library, the post office, the auto repair shop or your corner 7-11 is "not too nice" to you? Or do you just move on? Everyone has a bad day. Did the deputy violate any of your rights?

Seems as though he was simply less than tactful in trying to communicate to you that (1) an AR visible in your truck's gun rack will probably not make the local gendarmerie comfortable if you give them cause to pull you over -- totally undertandable and (2) it's stupid to advertise to your local tweakers and other neighborhood miscreants that you have nice firearms in your house and sometimes leave 'em in your car, easily stealable.

Finally, and I'm not trying to cast aspersions on the young OP's character, but we have ONLY his version of this encounter with the deputy. How'd the dad view the situation? Possibly the deputy would have an entirely different view of the communication during the encounter ...

 

[Bacchus]

While I would certainly not want to have to listen to someone lecture me about my rights, one thing that hasn't been brought up is why you brought the AR out in the first place....

 

[M1911]

best advice I've ever gotten about gun racks in trucks came from a friend from rural Nebraska. He said "gun racks in trucks cause broken windows."

+100

Whenever possible, don't leave valuable items in your vehicle. It is an open invitation for a thief. And if you do have to leave a valuable item in your vehicle, don't leave it in the open.

Personally, I can't understand why you would ever want to put a gun on display like that in your vehicle. It is just asking for trouble.

 

[springmom]

First, I am not the OP.

My bad. I plead no contest due to insufficient caffeine

Second, just because it may not be a good idea doesn't make it illegal or wrong. The cop had no more reason to comment on the gun than he would if the OP had an expensive bike stored in his truck bed. If the OP is willing to accept the risk of property theft, that's up to him and him alone.

The deputy didn't say it was illegal or wrong. Neither did I. I said it wasn't SMART. And it's not...but it is a bad idea. Theoretically, I agree with your last sentence, but as the mother of a 19 year old (last of four ) I can say that the passing of enough time to be 18 imparts neither instant maturity nor the inability to learn from someone else who says "you don't want to do that."

The OP received no harm, no foul; he just didn't like what was said. No surprise, but it's hardly fodder for the indignation that some folks have been showing here either.

Springmom

 

[coyotehitman]

If the OP is willing to accept the risk of property theft, that's up to him and him alone.

Who do you think has to respond back out to take the report on a stolen gun because "junior" decided to store it irresponsibly, who do you think has to enter it into LEADS (Oh, wait, we cant do that because a large proportion of gun owners are too complacent to record the serial number). Who do you think has to worry when the 357 Crip who steals it decides to use it in a drive by or turn it on officer friendly during a traffic stop. I think more than the OP is accepting the risk of theft.

 

[JCF]

I gave my wife "advice" for leaving her purse, iPhone and laptop sitting on the front seat of her car. I once told her not to openly count her money as she was walking away from the ATM.

Maybe I owe her an apology.

 

[MASTEROFMALICE]

So, I'm not allowed to have access to my property because a criminal could steal that property and misuse it? I do hope you're being facetious, as law abiding citizens shouldn't have to give up their rights because of the actions of criminals.

You're absolutely right and I'm absolutely wrong. To show me just HOW wrong I am, go ahead and leave ALL your guns outside without supervision. That'll show me.

And when someone a couple of towns over gets capped with one of your stolen firearms, that'll REALLY show me.

Listen up, slick, with all of your rights, come responsibilities.

You can vote, but you shouldn't be voting Nazis into office.

You can drink, but you shouldn't drink yourself into a stupor every morning to the point you can't hold down a job.

You have free speech, but if someone asked you your reloading recipe for .45 you shouldn't tell him to shove 15 grains of 231 powder in there.

Just because you have a right to do something doesn't mean you're free of all responsibility.

They're YOUR guns. You're allowed to have them in defense of yourself or your nation. You've got no business arming every criminal that walks past your house.

These "I'll do whatever the hell I want to do" statements are far more prevalent around here than they should be.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Quote:
Under Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) colorado is an open carry state.

No, it's not. There is no CRS that specifically states that open carry is legal. There is no statute that states it's illegal. The state also allows local jurisdictions to regulate open carry - that's why open carry is restricted in most municipal jurisdictions.

Absolutely not true. Because Colorado does NOT have a law making it illegal to carry a weapon open is exactly why Colorado IS an open carry state. There are very, very few laws that specifically define an activity as LEGAL. Laws only define what is illegal and what exceptions to those laws are.

The state also does NOT allow local jurisidictions to regulate open carry. The Supreme Court of Colorado has ruled that only Denver can do this, for some reason. Here is the Colorado statute:


29-11.7-103. Regulation - type of firearm - prohibited.
A local government may not enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the sale, purchase, or possession of a firearm that a person may lawfully sell, purchase, or possess under state or federal law. Any such ordinance, regulation, or other law enacted by a local government prior to March 18, 2003, is void and unenforceable.

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

"Maybe I owe her an apology"

definitly if not for that surely for something else

 

[NavyLCDR]

additionally

However, local governments may prohibit carrying in only certain buildings and certain areas, and those areas must be posted by the local government, however local governments cannot ban open carrying in general.



29-11.7-104. Regulation - carrying - posting.

A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction. If a local government enacts an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area, the local government shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that the open carrying of firearms is prohibited in the building or specific area.

 

[trickyasafox]

He told you the truth, you know. It's not fair, and in a perfect world it wouldn't be true, but the fact is, a teenager driving around with an AR in the back window of a truck is more likely to have someone call 911 on him than if, say, it was a single shot 12 gauge. The chances of you being pulled over and asked about it...or worse...are not negligible.

And as for bringing it up to your dad, well, if you're living at home, then yes, he would bring it up to him.

He didn't take it away from you, he just told you it wasn't too smart.

Springmom

Springmom has a great point. Our society in a lot of ways has outsourced parenting to local institutions like schools and government. The officer was probably trying to do what other, and in my opinion, more misguided people have asked him to do.

I wouldn't sweat it. You know you were right, and the guy shouldn't have taken tone, but my guess is he had good intentions.