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Copyright © 2003-2004 Phil Elmore, all rights
reserved.
Staying Under the Radar
By Lawrence Keeney
All this talk of
carrying
knives for self-defense is an entirely valid topic for discussion. One has
the right, and arguably the responsibility, to fight the good fight against the
human predators called “goblins” by well-known shootist and
self-defense pundit,
Jeff
Cooper.
Most of us are fortunate that in our states we have the
right, with some limitations, to carry knives, and with concealed carry permits,
to carry handguns. There are a small number of states where their residents do
not enjoy such rights. To advertise that you carry a gun or a folder without
state sanction will buy you a one-way ticket to jail, indictment, and the
financial ruin that comes with it. Goblins
pay little attention to such ill-advised laws. If you have to go amongst them,
then you have a problem.
Police officers have a tough job. Day after day, they have
to make split-second decisions whether the people they come in contact with are
friend or foe. How do they do that? I have never been to a police academy, but I
can tell you what I know. For nearly four years I was a newspaper reporter with
an emphasis on criminal cases. Consequently I spent a large amount of time
around sheriffs deputies, state fire marshals, West Virginia State Troopers,
and city cops. These folks have what one deputy called “shithead radar.
They can tell by a number of factors whether you are a good guy just trying
to get down the road, or someone who is looking for trouble. This is determined
by a couple of methods, which any street savvy person needs to know.
Dress
If you are reading the articles on this website, you are by
nature a prepared and tactical person. You are likely in a constant state of
condition yellow, especially since September 11. Think back to the last time you
went shopping. Watching the people who walk the malls makes you wonder: That
guy looks a little shifty, whats he up to? Believe me, cops think
like that, only compounded by five. This person may be a nice guy, but due to
the fact that he dresses in gang colors, or wears battle dress utilities and a
T-shirt with a confederate flag displayed on the front, he may well lock cop
radar on him like a Phoenix Missile. This is what profiling really is. It may
not be fair, but thats the way it is. Cops pay attention to those who,
statistically speaking, are most likely to commit criminal offenses. For their
part, it makes perfect sense.
Now, some of us are counterculture types. When I was 19 and
20 years old, I wore a trench coat and a French braid ponytail, just like
Dick
Marcinko. I thought myself a bad ass. I carried a balisong and a
Remington-Rand
1911 45 auto. By the grace of God and some incredibly good luck, I remained
alive and out of state custody until I gained some common sense. These days, I
doubt I could have slipped by under the radar. This week, Ive been carrying a
Glock 26, a
Protech
automatic knife, and a Spyderco Police Model. They’re
all legal for me, obviously, but still, I dont need to be singled out
by a cop. Thus, I dress like a normal guy. I wear jeans, a polo shirt, a leather
jacket, and Hush Puppies. I blend in.
Just Be Nice
Massad
Ayoob pointed out some years ago that armed citizens have a responsibility
to take guff that unarmed people do not. You have to ignore it when people flip
you off or try to goad you into a confrontation. This is especially true for
people who are carrying illegally. You must be the guy in the crowd that no one
notices and no one could describe. You cant drive through the parking lot at
Wal-Mart blasting your stereo and expect the cops not to hassle you. The same is
true for drinking. If you want to go out and have a few beers with your friends
after work, then leave your weapons at home. In fact, do what I do: invite your
buddies to the house to drink there. Even better yet, be the designated driver.
Many have wondered, “What do I do if I get pulled over
for running a stop sign, or some other minor traffic offense?” In many
states, you are required by law to tell the officer that you have a legally
concealed weapon. In fact, in some states, the officer knows it when he runs
your license. Now, what if your toys arent exactly legal? If the officer
decides to invade your personal space, he will probably find them. The trick is,
dont give him a reason. All responses should be “yes sir, no sir. Dont
give him or her an attitude, and they probably wont hassle you. Finally, make
sure you have all your tickets taken care of, as well as a current car tag and
operators’ papers. The same is true for car insurance. If you dont, then
dont be surprised if the police officer finds out. Being Joe Good Citizen is
the best way to slide by. If the officer
mouths off to you, calls you a name, or insults your mother, you cannot give him
an attitude. My friends, Ive seen it and heard it over and over, especially
with state troopers. If you give them a hard time they will mess with you. You
might end up waking up the next morning in an orange jumpsuit.
If for no other reason, one should keep under the radar to
avoid the financial strains one will face if arrested. Bail for carrying a
concealed weapon in West Virginia is a $1,000 minimum. If a cop takes you to
jail, the police are likely to pile on the charges, which makes it easier for
them to get a conviction and harder for you to skate out of it.
The hassle isnt worth it.
Be aware and slide through the masses like a
fish though water.