I’m thinking all this “awareness” about gun control and concealed carry has pulled a good many uninformed people out of the woodwork. I like the new catch phrase I’ve heard about “low information voters” for those who get all their worldly information through 30 second bites from the media.

Case in point, I’m on duty last Friday night, uniformed patrol, and dispatch gives me a call to go to a disturbance at a local Mexican Restaurant. When I arrive the manager advised me that two patrons, a man and woman, were concerned because another man in the restaurant was showing his gun. The manager asked me to pleeeease try not to make a scene in his packed restaurant.

I walk over to the complainants table, a couple in their late twenties, and asked if could sit down with them. They said yes, and after taking a seat I introduced myself and said I understood they had a concern and how could I help. They told me to look over at the group of people about three tables across the room, there’s a man in a blue shirt and sometimes when he moves you can see the tip of something sticking out from under his shirt and we think it’s a gun. I look over at the table in question and observe a guy in a blue oxford shirt that was not tucked in, mid thirties, sitting at a table with a woman, also mid thirties, and two kids, both girls, about 7 or 8 years old. At first glance I would describe them as a “family unit”.

I watched close and sure enough every once in a while as he moved you could glance something protruding from under his shirt about a half inch. Maybe it could be the tip of a holster, maybe a wallet sticking out of his pocket, maybe a comb or brush . . . who knows? The shirt was loose enough that I couldn’t see a gun print. I asked the couple what makes them think it’s a gun and they said they’ve been watching a lot of news lately about all this gun stuff, and reports about all these people who are out in public carrying guns, and they thought they were supposed to report it when they see it.

I asked them, “what if he has a concealed carry permit?”

The guy replies, “Well, it’s not concealed if we can see it from way over here. Isn’t that against the law?”

“Do you folks own any guns by chance?” I asked the couple.

“Oh no, we don’t believe in guns!”

“Okay then, I’ll go check it out for you.”

I get up and ease my way over to the other table as the family is finishing up their meal. I introduced myself and asked if I could sit down for just a moment. “Sure,” the guy says, “no problem”.

I pulled up a chair and sat down and shook hands all around, and with my friendliest smile I ask the man if he has a concealed carry permit and he said he does. I ask if I could see it and his driver’s license, so he pulls them out and shows them to me. I pulled out my cell phone and called dispatch for a quick check and everything came back clean.

“What’s this all about, am I in some kind of trouble?” The guy asks when I get off the phone.

“No sir, not at all. Do me a favor, though. Pull your shirt down a little more next time you’re out. Might save us all a little grief.”

He chuckled and said, “sure, no problem. Thanks!”

I got up and apologized for intruding on their dinner.

The complainants were standing by the cash register at the door as I headed out and asked, “was it a gun?”

“I don’t know” I replied. “I’m not convinced it was a gun or not, and besides he had a valid concealed carry permit. I checked and he is not a hardened criminal.”

“You’re not going to arrest him or at least frisk him on our word?”

“I am not.”

“Humph . . . “, and they turned and walked out.

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- Change it back -

The rest of the story . . .

I leave the restaurant and step out to my car and immediately write up a full contact report, and later turn it in at the end of my shift.

When I come in Monday I have a note that the sheriff wants to see me so I swing by his office and ask what’s up?

He said he read my report on my visit at the Mexican restaurant and wanted to let me know he’d received three calls on it earlier that day. One from the complainants, one from the restaurant owner, one from the gentleman with the family.

The restaurant owner called to thank the sheriff for the way I discreetly handled the situation when he had a restaurant full of customers. He said the complainants had kind of raised a stink about the whole affair before I’d arrived and he was worried there might be a scene. He was thankful there wasn't.

The gentleman with the family turned out to be a city councilman from the county seat in the next county. He said he and his family were in town visiting a sick relative in the hospital when they stopped for dinner at the Mexican restaurant. He said he was sure the sheriff got all kinds of complaints about his deputies for issues justified or not, but he wanted to call and let him know how pleasant his experience had been with me.

Lastly, the complainants called to, well, complain. They told the sheriff that I didn’t do my job and I should have arrested that man for publicly brandishing his gun in a public place in front of children.

I told the sheriff, “Hey, two out of three ain’t bad!”

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- Change it back -

And the sheriff said...?

Ya, I was wondering too.

It is hard to keep a holster a hidden all times. I am always feeling myself up, probably makes it worse. But really how does a person know if it is holster or smart phone? With the bigger smart phones people are wearing on their hip, maybe we will have less of this.

Maybe someday people will just be more used to it, but I am not holding my breath.

I am always very cautious, but one never knows what could slip. Now that we are having the surge of anti-gunners in Colorado, I expect that we could have more of these type interactions every day.

I am sure that some officers will not handle it the way you did. You were professional and did not over-react.

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Doug "N Frame Addict"
CO

^^^^ It happens.......Officer Discretion at it's finest right there! ^^^^


*
A gaggle of four of us were eatin at a Crackerbarrel one time,
we were all OCing in plain clothes and had been attending an in-service
class at the near by university.

We got up to leave and a table of collage girls were seated close by,
I hear one of them screech, "That man's wearing a gun!"

I turn back and whisper, "It's ok....He's the Chief of Police, I think."


Another time, a local Sheriff and I started into this eat joint,
(He was wearing one of those little belt slide holsters that were popular back in the 70s),
he slips his officers modle out and drops it in his front trouser pocket.

I'm watching all this, thinking he didn't want it bangin on the chair back or something.

He's sees me watching him and sez, "Ah, folks keeps
staring at it and askin what happen to the rest of my holster."




.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Do the complainants understand what the word Brandish means.
Here is the Merriam Webster definition

1: to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly
2: to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner

In what way, shape or form did this happen in the incident. We have way, way too many people with their knickers on too tight.

And the moral of the story is: TV news has convinced fools that they are now vigilantes for the war on gun violence. If it only saves one life, they must now annoy, disrupt, accuse, distract, offend and complain about anything from an "L" shaped piece of paper in a schoolroom to a cell phone hidden under a shirt of a family man having dinner.
Oh yeah, they're out there, and they are OFFENDED and SOMEBODY HAS TO DO SOMETHING!!!

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Halfway and one more step

Nicely handled all around on your part, good sir!

But I have to say, this young couple apparently needs to figure out what "brandishing" a firearm means. At the very least, they fail at entry level threat assessment. Of course, "we don't believe in guns" says it all, doesn't it.

Faulkner

A tip of the Ol Stetson to ya for doin' a bang up professional job.

Well done!!


Bein' a cranky moss horned Ol Geezer, I'd probably told them to mind their own dammed bidness, and that I should orta arrest them for wastin' an officer's time!!

I had one last year when I got out of my jeep and didn't realize my coat had gotten up a little over the butt of the gun. Well some woman across from me in her car in the parking lot about filled her granny panties when she caught sight of that grip. I calmly walked inside and nothing came of it that I knew, but I am sure if she described my camo jeep since it is the only one in my area one of the guys I work with probably would have just said "Oh don't worry about him" or something of the sort since they pretty much all know me. If it would have been a state trooper things might have been different, some of the ones I know have no sense of humor about such things.

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Vaya con Dios

Good job on 'disarming' the sticky situation. How silly. Really.

He didn't say what he told them, but I'll note that it's uncommon to get this many calls over a minor incident like this. It just goes to show the current public sensitivity of the gun issue in our country.

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- Change it back -

It's people like the complainants that I would like to slap cross-eyed. You did well sir!
f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country

In their defense, though, they come by their view honestly because they are getting all their information from the drive by media and that's how the media does it. They have been indoctrinated with the liberal view when a gun collection is reported as a "arsenal", a deer rifle is reported as a "sniper rifle", Glocks are "invisible" to airport security, certain hollow point bullets become "cop killer ammunition", and AR's are "military style assualt weapons." When people who are not gun savy hear this over and over and over from the mainstream media it becomes the truth to them.

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- Change it back -

Well there is a perfect example of the other 5% I Referred to in my response to the “Rant” thread earlier today

With folks like the above one can only hope for two very large and hungry bears......

Being in your business for 24 years plus 12 more in Security I say well done. Very professional.............

Everytime I enter or leave WM my firearm trips the sensor but no one ever says anything.

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How many guns are too many?

Is it just me or does this current flock of sheep seem to be a bit...um, "touched"?

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paws for friendship

I'm not a LEO, but I would have asked them if the folks looked like criminals or if they had done or said anything threatening. Then I'd have asked them how they don't know the object they sort of see briefly from time to time isn't a cell phone, digital device (these days there are all kinds from mini iPads, etc. that people now can put on their belts), leatherman, sunglasses case. etc.?

I can't see why I'd have even bothered the family eating, I don't see any probable cause for even approaching them and bothering them in their dinner. That's the 4th amendment in my humble... Can't stop them without some good reason, and those nosy idiots who *think* they *might* see a gun isn't a good enough reason to detain a law abiding citizen again, in my humble, non LEO, opinion.


BTW, Kudos on how you handled it! Excellent job!

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"... shall not be infringed."

Many years ago in Oklahoma my Lieutenant called and wanted to meet me at a cafe just off the turnpike. When I got there there was the LT, and two other troopers. One of the troopers was a new guy still on break in, and the other was his break in trooper in civilian clothes.

We were drinking coffee and going over paper work when the waitress came to the table and told Greg (the trooper in civilian clothes) that the dispatcher was on the phone and needed to talk to him. When Greg went to the counter to talk to dispatch, he did not notice that his jacket had ridden up over the butt of his Hi Power, leaving it exposed.

It is important, at this point in the story to point out that Greg is full blood Kiowa.

While Greg was on the phone, a man and woman in their sixties walked in and the man noticed Greg's gun. I guess the man had been in the military in his country, because as he walked up to our table he noticed the butter bars on the LT's collar.

He looked sternly at the LT, and said, with a thick Germain accent, "Lieutenant, are you aware that the aborigine at the counter has a pistol?"

Without so much as a blink, the Lieutenant said, "Yes sir, he is one of our scouts."

The man said, "Very well." and left.

When he got out of ear shot, all three of us burst out laughing. It took us a while to calm down enough to tell Greg what we were laughing about.

Ok, that right there is pure comedy gold. Well played Sir, Well Played!

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"... shall not be infringed."

Faulkner.........well done.

Thank you for being a true professional.

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Wake me when it's over...

From a fellow career LEO (working on my 28th year now), well played......

In just about any city in Arizona if you go out and about you are most likely to someone oc-ing. Most criminals IMHO do not open carry, I have nothing to back that up, just my feeling.
Now I will say, in cities that have a large influx in snowbirds some establishments prefer you not open carry. My favorite Black Bear dinner in Lake Havasu City has a sign requesting you not open carry. I guess it scares the older birds.
If the police in Arizona were called for each open carry sighting they would not get anything done.

Well done Faulkner.

I would wager a substantial sum that a large portion of this country thinks that gun owners such as ourselves are the ones who are "touched." Look at the overwhelming public support for things that a great many here consider an anathema and direct assault on their constitutional rights. A great many of them wonder why when the constitution was written by men (albeit great ones) and the universe was created by God, do we conflate human rights with constitutional ones. I think there a is a vast misunderstanding of the pro-gun position and a confused perception that these principled stances are defending a right for self protection.

The folks that saw that gun are, as our incredibly diplomatic and tactful Mr. Faulkner said, not savvy about firearms and likely scared and confused by (I will not say Liberal Media because I think it's something else) sensationalistic media who could not give even a single weak hoot about how inaccurate portrayals and hyperbole damage public education at the expense of a quick fix of right-now-journalism.

In my opinion, the less we hunker down and wait for it to pass and the more we engage our well-meaning fellow citizens about firearms, the better. Slapping them isn't going to help (even metaphorically) as that's associated with gun ownership.

I'm a reformed antigunner and it took the enthusiasm and care of several dear friends taking me to the range and showing me what guns were to immediately change my tune. I've done the same for probably 10+ people. Not all of them are going to go out and catch the bug like I did but they were universally anti gun and now they have a much better appreciation for what firearms are and what they aren't.

It sounds like the folks in the restaurant who were freaked out could benefit from a kind soul taking them to the range and educating them. If we can't do it through the media, we have to do it at a grass roots level.

I know that as a teenager, long before I knew anything about firearms (didn't grow up with them, thought they were the exclusive problem in the gun violence equation, etc), I saw a guy open carry into the McDonalds I was eating at with my family. I was terrified and couldn't wait to get out of there.

My parents are not irrational people. They simply have no interest in guns. I take them shooting with me sometimes and it just doesn't excite them. The event I metion was 20+ years ago but it sticks with me and I can understand people being scared of guns, especially in light of recent events.

Anyway, fantastic job in there and hopefully we'll all think a little more when we vilify anti gun people. They're probably following their conscience and have no idea that they're not in possession of information that could sway their opinion. I'd wager that every single one of us holds opinions about something that we don't know that we don't have the information on or experience with.

Story's like these really upset me because one the police officer's time was wasted.

Two it shows the break down of society where protecting your family or your self is becoming taboo.

The guy was obviously not a threat to anyone or anything. The object in question could have very easily been his wallet or a checkbook.

I know the type of wallet your thinking about there common in my town and normally have some kinda metal ornate decorations.

I really feel bad for police officers every where because this is the type of situation that could escalate into a big scene over what amounts to some biz e buddy's paranoia.

Outstanding post, sir; and kudos to you for seeking to educate the public. We all should do the same.

Regards,
Andy

Thanks for remaining sane in this insane world. Somebody oughta slap some sense into those meddling know nothing fools.

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Even older, even crankier....

Faulkner,

Very well done. Officer discretion is alive and well.

De Oppresso Liber

What is the country turning into?

I heard a comment the other day:

Having a car does not make one a NASCAR driver any more than having gun makes one a gangster.

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Doug "N Frame Addict"
CO

Pretty much the way I would have done it, except I might have hit the restaurant owner up for a taco or two while I was there. (helps to stay incognito) I was training a new guy a while back when we made a traffic stop on a permit holder. He told us he had a permit and a gun in the car. The rookie was about to freak out when I told him to watch me. I asked to see the gun. The driver got it out of his holster and handed it to me butt first. It was a pretty nice older m&p .38 special with a 5" barrel. After running the serial number and not getting a hit I offered him $300 for it and he accepted. The only thing the trainee had to say was "they didn't teach us that at the academy."

Professionally handled! Too bad you couldn't have fixed "Stupid". Bravo Zulu!

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Term limits!

Stop me if you've heard this one. "A cop, a city councilman and a moron walk into a Mexican restaurant..."

Not to be too picky, but the LEO only needs probable cause to arrest or "reasonable suspicion" to detain short of arrest. He or she can approach and intitiate a conversation without any reason at all.

Hi:
Heaven help the "Complainants" if they visit Tennessee--Its normal to see CCW Holders "Open Carry".

Oklahoma became an Open Carry state last Nov. 1st.

I don't OC but it does keep things from happening as the OP stated. I have not seen that many people Open Carrying now, but there are enough to 'desensitize' the "Oh My God" local types. Don't know about the tourist though.

Last spring I was in Home Depot in Tulsa and when I reached up to remove an item from a high shelf, my Colt New Agent .45 fell out of it's holster and quick as a flash (for an old man) I , very red faced, scooped it up and put it in my front pocket. Only one guy in the same aisle and I was between him & the Colt. Now with OC, that would be no problem at all.


Art

Iv been told this before, and ill repeat it "ignorance of the law is no excuse" Im sorry, but the young couple who made a stink has zero, zilch, nada, nothing in any way shape or form a "defense" Its ignorance, and nothing more.

Oh that british guy on CNN said anything that resembles a gun could kill me at any minute i want anybody associated with such monstrous tools arrested!

Few things make my blood boil to the point that these topics do. Although, I will certainly agree with your ethics, and the way you handled the situation was excellent.

Isn't there any charge an officer can make against a dopey complainant?
Being stupid in a no stupid zone or something.
There are Mexican restaurants in south Texas where they search you for weapons when you come in. If you haven't got one, they lend you a knife from the kitchen.

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Halfway and one more step

In THEIR minds, a bit of gun showing IS brandishing.

It always amazes me that some people think they can use the police as a tool to wield against people they don't like.

I love the way you handled that. The logic used in your approach was perfect.

A - does he have a permit?

B - If yes then it doesn't matter if it's a gun...so no need to check for one

The best part is leaving the complainants hanging...they will never know...and it will always bother them. AAAAAHAHAHAHA!

Even better is that they tried to use you and they weren't able to. Classic stuff. That read made my night.

I too always try to call and register a praise when someone does a good job. It's nice to hear that sometimes the word gets back to the folks that do good.

Why would it trip the sensor?

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A closed mouth gathers no foot

I work security in a federal building and, of course, we have a "no weapons" policy. I'm constantly scanning folks as they enter. If I spot someone carrying a knife, I'll walk up and in a low voice, ask the person to carry it back out to their vehicle.

Haven't had anyone bring in a gun, that I'm aware of, yet. I have spotted a couple of empty holsters.

I was working another post one time and spotted what I thought was a knife. I walked up, very low key, and asked if the man was carrying a knife. It turned out to be a set of folding reading glasses in a case. I apologized and went back to my desk.

He accepted my apology, but then left and called the office and complained to one of the mangers that I had "harassed" him. The manager asked me about it and then she rolled her eyes when I told her my side of the story. She commented that she didn't think I was the harassing type.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

If I could have put folks in jail for being stupid, I would have spent my 25 years as a LEO writing out book-in cards at the jail!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Ol Tex,

I've frequented that thar cantina....


.

Ought to be able to cite 'em buzy bodies for attempting to
'Obstruct and disrupt a family's supper time', er sumthing!



.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

I just re-read the original post. The only way Faulkner could have handled this better was to use my standard reponse when someone tells me they "don't believe" in guns: "What, like the Easter Bunny?"

The "complainers" were/are in a state of total denial.
They supposedly felt threatened, but sat there and ate anyway.
They were secure in their knowledge that nothing bad could
happen to them.
TACC1

This deserves a story-----I don't want to hear any complaints about another long winded Bill Close tale!
Watson Walker of Polk County Texas was my man to go too when I had questions---He was the sheriff.
I asked him about this stuff once and wanted to know what the law was on carryin.
He gave me the rules and added---Williamlayton, folks got their own rules and I have better things to do than checking every glove compartment in Polk County for guns---first, I don't have a place to put em all and can you imagine the paperword.
Second---Zimmy (local attorney and brother to Percy Foreman) has enough money and don't need this business.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Faulkner, you are a fine example of a Peace Officer in the very best possible context. A man very capable of enforcing the law while at the same time applying a huge dose of common sense and compassion for his fellow man. Again, all my very best and stay safe, we all need men like you "on the wall" protecting us. Joe.

Should have asked the male unit of the complaining couple outside for a chat , and then beat him about the head & shoulders with the butt of your pistol.

He wouldn't have been hurt mind you , because "he don't BELIEVE in guns"!