Today's conversation with LEO

[ROMEOHOTEL]

Today I had the opportunity to have a conversation with two in blue. It started when I asked about their sidearm. They were happy to talk of their piece, caliber, grip, personal liking, etc. I then asked about ammo, if they had a preference of manufacturer, grain, if they paid or company provided, etc. They were fine with my questions.

They were not fine with me asking about off roster. At first they feigned no knowledge of the roster. Then as I began to explain they interrupted to say they know about the roster. I asked if they agreed with the roster. Cold stares then they said there are pistols they too are not allowed to own. I started to ask if they would provide name and type of a few of those. Again, cold stares then they shot a questioning look at each other. I read this as they are now uncomfortable with my questioning. I thanked them for their time and desire to engage in conversation. I said stay safe out there and we parted.

The conversation left me uneasy. One, they straight up lied to say they didn't know of the roster. Two, as I progressed with my questions it seemed they wanted to know more about me. They began to ask why am I so curious, what is the basis of my questioning.

Perhaps they are not used to such questions and that my questions posed an unusual circumstance and their training kicked in. I don't know, maybe it was, maybe not.

At all times were them and me civil and attentive. I don't think my attitude was 'attacking' or overbearing. I think not because it is the very same conversation I've had with many others when I see their pistol. I understand some may not want to discuss with strangers. I get that so my initial question is one so disarming so I may size them up to see if they are resistant to further conversations. I also do not have the attitude that because the cops work for us they must answer. I show respect am seek to be civil.

[IrishJoe3]

Did they ask you if they were being detained?

[Devilmonkey89]

Where that body cam question go?? ^^^^

[rcslotcar]

You are lucky they talked to you at all. I never answered questions about my equipment, amount or type of ammo or how much I carried.

[hunterb]

Seems normal. They don't want to get caught saying the wrong thing and getting in trouble in their jobs.

Do you really expect two on-duty, uniformed police officers to join in on a rant about bullcrap CA gun laws?

If you want to know what they really think make some cop friends and ask them at a bbq in friendly company.

I mean, understand that they are cautious. When is the last time someone tried to kill you at your job?

[ROMEOHOTEL]

Also, it was Chino PD before anyone asks. I thought they were both polite and good representatives of their employers. Except they lied. Then they turned their attention to me, to question me as a person. Either they were looking for an unobtrusive way to break contact or they actually were looking to delve into me as a person. I would perceive the latter as a threat to my person.

Now that I think about it, the last time I talked with LEO was a Sheriff deputy. That guy was cool but only after he ascertained I was not a threat. He showed his handgun, showed how he swaps mags, how he loads, how he draws, talked of when he draws, talked of his routine, told some good stories, etc. He told and showed all about his shotgun. He popped the trunk to show his kit, etc. He was cool because he was so open and engaging and with no hesitation. Guy to guy, ya know?

I have to wonder why would they lie to me? Because they don't know me? Because giving misinformation is part of their assessment of unknown persons? Is it training or character flaw?

[Devilmonkey89]

You are lucky they talked to you at all. I never answered questions about my equipment, amount or type of ammo or how much I carried.

Reason behind that?

[smle-man]

These days every conversation a police officer has with a civilian has the chance of blowing up on them later unless they keep it strictly business and by the numbers. I'm surprised they talked to you as much as they did about their sidearms.

[ROMEOHOTEL]

You are lucky they talked to you at all. I never answered questions about my equipment, amount or type of ammo or how much I carried.

Why not? It's an honest question.

I'm not looking to stir up trouble in asking. With the talk that LEO are people too I have a hard time understanding why not act like people. Is it because the general public has too many crazies these days? Is it because your beat was in the bad section of town?

[Quiet]

I have to wonder why would they lie to me? Because they don't know me? Because giving misinformation is part of their assessment of unknown persons? Is it training or character flaw?

They don't know you and may be thinking that you are trying to get them to do something that violates their department policy concerning off-Roster handguns. So, they are being evasive (pretending to be ignorant) about the topic.

After all those Sacramento County Sheriff Deputies got busted for selling ("flipping") off-Roster handguns, several CA LE agencies adopted policies that prohibits their LEOs from transferring or offering to transfer off-Roster handguns to non-exempt person (they are only allowed to transfer off-Roster handguns to LEOs and immediate family members). Violating these policies can result in the LEO being terminated from employment from the LE agency.

[Spanky8601]

Reason behind that?

In today's world with so many "individuals" looking to make a "story" I would not be inclined to carry on a detailed conversation with a random person. While I was working I tried to be polite, but honestly at some point it becomes like a badge bunny.

[ROMEOHOTEL]

These days every conversation a police officer has with a civilian has the chance of blowing up on them later unless they keep it strictly business and by the numbers. I'm surprised they talked to you as much as they did about their sidearms.

I could wear a sign that says I am not a threat. Talking to me will not blow up, I will do everything I can to be sure of that. So would the mere wearing of said sign be a cause of suspicion?

Why isn't talking about your issued firearm part of strictly business? Joe Friday was tough and capable of his duty. But he also was engaging and civil with the general public.

[ROMEOHOTEL]

They don't know you and may be thinking that you are trying to get them to do something that violates their department policy concerning off-Roster handguns. So, they are being evasive (pretending to be ignorant) about the topic.

After all those Sacramento County Sheriff Deputies got busted for selling ("flipping") off-Roster handguns, several CA LE agencies adopted policies that prohibits their LEOs from transferring or offering to transfer off-Roster handguns to non-exempt person (they are only allowed to transfer off-Roster handguns to LEOs and immediate family members). Violating these policies can result in the LEO being terminated from employment from the LE agency.

Then don't violate policy. It's as simple as that. But does that a constitute reason to not engage the public?

Think if it was an innocent and curious 10 year old boy asking the same questions.

[IrishJoe3]

I'm pretty sure if you started chatting with a couple firefighters about the thread count on firehouses, their favorite brands and what nozzle holds they like, the conversation would get really awkward......just saying.

Add the fact most LEOs are very guarded due to the fact a large number of the people that strike up a conversation about a specific subject are working an angle: usually trying to elicit a reaction or statement that can come back and bite that beat cop in the backside.

[IrishJoe3]

Then don't violate policy. It's as simple as that. But does that a constitute reason to not engage the public?

Uh LOL.it's NOT that simple. You can be a saint who does every thing perfectly, and there are people that will take anything and twist it around and do their damnedest to make your life as miserable as possible (complaints, accusations, law suits, drama, publicity, etc). The solution? The less you hang out there, the less people have to bite on. You can thank your fellow citizens.

Think if it was an innocent and curious 10 year old boy asking the same questions.

Except your not a ten year old boy. You're a grown man. Which contributes to the weirdness.