Problem is, though, a certain number of open carry advocates seem to be actively trying to engage a confrontation with law enforcement so they can post video of their encounter to the Internet. This is where my ‘support’ for open carry individuals ends.
Police troll-bait. I have to agree with this statement.
When they show up in numbers — like some bizarre flash mob —essentially they’re moving from Second Amendment advocacy and into First Amendment right to assembly and free speech territory. Taken together, contact with police is inevitable.
Our experience has shown otherwise. With the exception of one event in MOC's early days (Ponderosa), I don't recall there being an official LEO interaction at any organized dinners we have. Maybe there is and I'm forgetting/not aware?
The Ponderosa incident was largely due to one person and their self-defense tool of choice...which brings up a topic we don't mention on this Forum.
In hopes that I can help cops out there to ensure against being the latest YouTube sensation (and not in a good way), here's a brief list of things to keep in mind when encountering open carry advocates.
• Know your local law
• Know your weapons
• Keep your cool
• Use command presence
• Use verbal judo
• Remain professional
• Maintain your 360
• Remember ‘plus one’
• Call for backup
• Watch the hands
Am I reading this wrong or does "command presence" mean, "be a jack booted thug"? I guess it means "control the situation", but why should he control or attempt to control me so long as what I'm doing is:
1. lawful
2. not causing physical harm to anyone