Went to the PD in Oak Park to get Fingerprinted for Out-of-state CPLs (I have a Michigan CPL). At first this was going to be a hassle and was told "no" by a clerk, that you can only get printed for jobs and stuff but not for CPLs. I emailed the Chief (Directory of Public Safety) and he promised me that he would clear this up with the clerk and that I could get Fingerprinted for any need I had. So, I went and, sure enough, was not given a hassle this time. But then the officer tried to tell me that I was not supposed to have a weapon in the foyer/front-desk area and had to put it in my car - especially as the fingerprint area was in back. OK, so I did put it in my car and explained that the sign referred to PA 281 and that I was 1) Open Carrying, not Concealing and 2) I had a CPL anyway. She did not believe it was allowed but was polite as I was courteous and had to store my firearm in the car anyway.
I came back and this time got a pat down as they knew I was armed before and wanted to make sure that I complied. Keep in mind that Oak Park does fingerprinting in the booking area which is deep inside and a "sterile" area (not even the officers back there were armed. I complied and was polite. Then they saw the pepperspray.... I never considered PS a weapon. It is a dog-deterant only. Who would rob banks with it! duh.. But I took it out to my car and this time only brought my key back. But again, Pat down by the male officer with gloves. Yuk, but I was polite and they were professional about it all.
Finally, taken back to booking; fingerprinted and received my copies to mail off.
And then left.
I emailed the chief later to let him know that all-in-all everything went as one would expect and the officers were all courteous and professional. I did add the incident about the signage and he assured me that I was correct and that he would make sure the officers were aware of this as well.
I then went to Walgreen's at 9mile & Coolidge. No problem & nothing said! This is the same one who had the incident of the pharmacist who CC'd and stopped a robbery, but was fired.
So, that was today's experience. Over-All I got what I needed and other than the pat-down (which does not surprise me and I guess I should have known better...) it went well. Had I NOT initially OC'd then the incident would not have occurred to bring the signage to the Chief's attention.
