From a couple of group e-mails I sent out (not going to modify for the forum):
I again saw the Facebook video (Castile case) on the news last night and this comment from his girlfriend got my Spidey sense tingling.
Here are her exact words shortly into the video:
He let the officer know he had a firearm and he was reaching for his wallet.
Now I’m sure the gal may have been in shock, and there’s a good chance if you ask her what happened five times, you’re going to get five slightly different descriptions (that’s just the nature of most witnesses), BUT just roll her statement over in your head.
He let the officer know he had a firearm and he was reaching for his wallet.
I’m sure lawyers will have a field day with this one?
Exactly how did he let the officer know he had a firearm (what language was used)?
Based on her quote, imagine you’re the officer and are told this:
“I have a gun” as you reach for your wallet / ID.
In her comment she says he let the officer know he had a gun, but we don’t know if he let the office know he was reaching for his wallet (could be taken either way based on her imprecise comment).
If you watched the
Massad Ayoob video from my earlier e-mail, you’ll recall at the 1 minute mark the following conversation:
Ayoob: The old advice of tell the office “I’VE GOT A GUN” is going to have a very negative….
Gresham: Well what’s your reaction if… “I’ve got a gun.”
Ayoob: “ME TOO” (as he steps back and draws his).
I’m wondering if something like this isn’t exactly what occurred in the Castile case?
I tell you this not to assign blame to either party (the courts will figure that out), but simply to remind you if you carry a firearm, you need to LEARN HOW TO SURRENDER / COMPLY.
As I told you in my earlier e-mail, I NEVER mention the word GUN to an officer.
Every time I’ve been pulled over, the first thing out of the officer’s mouth when he approached was
can I see your driver’s license and registration?
I don’t say a word so there’s no chance of misinterpretation or a failure to communicate.
I simply place my CHP on TOP of my DL and hand both to the officer and wait for his instructions.
AND FINALLY
With all that’s going on these days, AND comments I see from some of the pundits / activists on TV on the Sunday talk shows (I fear for their children), perhaps it’s time we all take a short refresher course on how to interact with the police from Chris Rock.
CAUTION: Language, so not for work or around your kids (although you need to pass these tips on to them)!
They say the best satire has a basis in truth – that being the case, this is some of the best I’ve seen!
How Not To Get Your Ass Kicked (or these days, shot) By The Police
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igQDvYOt_iA