LA County Dirtbike Sheriffs

[Farva]

So I live in the AV, shoot out in no mans land deserts and all that good stuff. Well a couple days ago I read in the AV Press we are getting Dirtbike patrols riding all up and around the desert areas of Lake LA, Littlerock, Lancaster etc enforcing all the stuff for off roaders.

Well this past Saturday I get a text from a good friend of mine that I normally go shooting with who decided to go up to our normal area to have some fun, he brought handguns, shotguns, and BB installed ARs. Low and behold he ended up running into these dirtbike cops.

So the sheriffs rode up on them shooting only handguns(my buddies long guns were still in the cases and not visible), and ordered them(not at gun point but hands on weapons), to empty all guns and place them on their tables/trucks. After all the weapons are placed down, the cops order them all to walk towards them with hands up. They all get a pat down and are cleared of any weapons, they all have their IDs taken from their wallets and have checks run on them. They all turn out clean and from there the tension goes away and its all chill talk between them all.

So the cops walk them back to their cars and start to inspect their vehicles and weapons(not sure if the cops asked for consent or just did it, either way my buddy and his friends consented or didnt refuse the search). They ran the serials on every handgun, one of the pistols wasnt registered and the cops made a big stink about it and how important that was and that they could take the pistol from him. They suprisingly left the long gun cases alone and did not check them at all.

After the weapons inspections the cops tell them they are free to go about their business after they leave. They then explain how they all need to make sure their guns are registered. They went on to say they are just looking for gangbangers and people with "AK47s" and assualt rifles. My buddy then asked about Bullet Buttons, ARs and AKs and the sheriffs all said that stuff is illegal(my buddy didnt challenge the sheriffs and hes prolly glad they didnt check his AR cases). After taking all their names down, and their handgun serials the cops left and my friends continued to shoot.

So just a bit of a warning to any OLL shooters in the Antelope Valley/Lancaster area, I dont know what would have happened if they saw the ARs or an AK with bullet buttons but according to the information I got they didnt seem to be very in the know about them. Ill be bringing the flowcharts and memos from now on when cruising in the desert.

[dave1947]

Disgusting , I wish there was a video ,hopefully they will file a compaint

[berg]

You should post this in the Calguns legal forum.

[Freebird]

That sort of policing raises my hackles. How bad is it that cops feel they have the right to ride up on someone, tell them to stop what they are doing, order them to put they hands up, Then search them, and Then run their gun's serials (which i know they have a technical right to).

These people arn't bothering anyone, leave them alone.

[Farva]

You should post this in the Calguns legal forum.

It will get moved if thats where it needs to go.

[Matt C]

Then search them, and Then run their gun's serials (which i know they have a technical right to).

Actually, they don't.

[Farva]

That sort of policing raises my hackles. How bad is it that cops feel they have the right to ride up on someone, tell them to stop what they are doing, order them to put they hands up, Then search them, and Then run their gun's serials (which i know they have a technical right to).

These people arn't bothering anyone, leave them alone.

What scares me is what going to happen if they ride up on me shooting an AR or AK. I dont really want to get shot by a cop while im out with my family and friends.

[glbtrottr]

What is it with continued abuses by Law Enforcement when people are simply going about their business as lawful citizens?

WHY CAN'T WE GET THESE PEOPLE FIRED????

[Farva]

Disgusting , I wish there was a video ,hopefully they will file a compaint

None of my friends are calgunners or know much about their rights when it comes to police encounters. I asked him specifically if he got the officers names and badge numbers and he said he did not. I told him that is a must if that happens again.

[Freebird]

Actually, they don't.

I was under the impression that if a LEO saw you with a firearm, he/she has the right to run the serial.

[Farva]

I was under the impression that if a LEO saw you with a firearm, he/she has the right to run the serial.

Im thinking it might have something to do with being in unincorporated area territory outside city limits. I always thought the serial running was during an echeck for UOC.

[choprzrul]

Looks to me like, when they separated you from your firearms, they took control of those firearms thus temporarily seizing them. As such, it would seem that they are clearly in direct violation on several levels of the following statute:

to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or to different punishments, pains, or penalties, on account of such person being an alien, or by reason of his color, or race, than are prescribed for the punishment of citizens, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if bodily injury results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

I am starting to think that every firearms owner needs to have a printout of 18 USC 242 available to hand to law enforcement officers during any kind of contact. It looks like federal law is being violated routinely.

.

[Matt C]

I was under the impression that if a LEO saw you with a firearm, he/she has the right to run the serial.

You are mistaken. First of all, governments do not have "rights", nor do their agents. Our government derives its power from federal (and state) Constitution, granted by the people for the sole benefit of the people. The Constitution give certain rights to the people, one of which is as follows:

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Even the unconstitutional (bu not yet challenged) state law which allows for searches of weapons to determine if they are loaded does not provide for searches of serial numbers.

[Jack L]

I do not have an issue with cops doing their job, what they are told to do and all that. The issue with me on this call was;

How can LE still have no clue about BB's? After all this time? That is why these gun law bills being written so vaguely lead to LE acting like renegades and trying to bust people depending on their lack of education on BB's and what weapons are legal and why or why not.

The next thing is the registered handguns issue. I'm 62 years old. Back in the day we bought handguns at shows from private parties up until 1991 and none had to be registered. We still do not have to register these unless possibly for CCW use, not sure about that. Anyway I have a fine old piece I love to target shoot with and never thought of registering it. Bought in the 80's at a Victorville show from PP. Are these LEOs like 25 years old with really poor education on gun law? Last thing I'd want to see while otherwise having a great time is some improperly educated LEO informing me of FUD info yet threatening me as he/she does just that.

[choprzrul]

... Are these LEOs like 25 years old with really poor education on gun law? ...

That would seem to be the case in ever increasing amounts lately. Can't even imagine how undone they would become if someone had a RAW there. All they know is what they are being told, and it would almost seem like there is intentional disinformation initiative being run from the top down.

It has got to the point where you need to pack an extra tripod to set up your video camera on when you go shooting.

.