Video: Philly Cops Question Open Carry Activist

Walkin trails @ 11/22/2012 7:45 AM

I'm not a big fan of open carry in most situations today because I believe it invites more problems than it prevents, and not just from cops. In certain rural settings or emergency situations, it could be necessary, but not walking down a city street. Cover it up. Police need to know the statutes they're trying to enforce and realize that not everyone in the community with a gun is a thug. There are some armed civilians out there who's help I would graciously accept in a bad situation. Civilians, police, military, and politicians all should remember that "well regulated" means well trained to accepted standards rather than heavily restricted. Common sense should also be exercised.

J. Todd Watkins @ 11/24/2012 6:16 PM

It is very unfortunate when citizens have to worry more about their own police force than criminal thugs. With great power comes great responsibility. Whether ignorant or lazy, these cops deserve to be disciplined to the extreme. I am a Financial Adviser. If I don't perform my job and I lose a client's retirement money, people scream for me to spend time in jail. When a police officer makes a mistake, people die. I suggest that, at a minimum, their punishment for failing to know their jobs should be at least as severe as what I would encounter if I lose someone's money for not knowing my job...which means jail time and loss of their ability to continue performing their jobs.

Mike @ 11/25/2012 7:53 AM

Note how the officer stated the law of traffic stops correctly (need to see violation first) but incorrectly stated law of gun stops (that he just needs to see the gun not reasonable suspicion of violation). Why does this abuse of open carriers continue? Police need reasonable suspicion to stop gun carriers to demand license - just like cars.

X00013 @ 11/25/2012 1:48 PM

Proof cops are pigs

Jimmy @ 11/25/2012 6:08 PM

I own a gun and never carry my pistol so others can see it. My best friend is a cop and told me if he see's some one carrying a pistol he would a gun to his head before asking questions and that's enough for me not to open carry.

S.S @ 11/26/2012 7:41 AM

This is a definately a training issue that needs to be given to all law enforcement officers on an annual basis. This is something that we need to be made aware of. I think every citizen (felons not included) should be able to carry a concealed weapon should the need arises for them to defend themselves in a deadly force situation. But these citizens should be carrying in a concealed manner as to not arouse panic from other citizens who see the firearm. This is a very HOT issue right now. I can go on and on with this topic. But I'll stop here. On one more note x00013 your are a total dumbass who should get off our sight and stay off. It sounds like your one of those felons that isn't allowed to carry. Douchebag keep your comments to yourself and stay off the sight.

Bob @ VA @ 11/27/2012 10:07 AM

This police response is typical in Philly. They already have one federal lawsuit against them for abusing an open carrier which the city will undoubtedly lose. I am personally not a fan of open carrying, but it is legal in PA, even in Philly. Federal courts have already ruled that mere open carrying a firearm where legal is not RAS in and of itself. Without proper police training and respect for the law in Philly, I fear that it's only a matter of time until Philly police either injure or murder an innocent civilian over this issue.