Philly Police Harass, Threaten to Shoot Man Legally Carrying Gun

Fox Business ^ | 71 May 2011 | John Stossel

[PiperShade]

I’ve read several accounts of this incident. My only criticism of the gentleman’s actions was they seemed to escalate rapidly into the confrontational when stopped by the police. You aren’t going to “win your case” on the street during an active stop, no matter how “right” you are. And you could end up being “dead right”....

IMO the wisest, (and safest, since the officer had his weapon drawn and pointed), action would be to comply with the officer’s orders as expeditiously as possible. Once his fears/phobias/ego have been “massaged” and you are publicaly/visibly under his control it might be possible to discuss his misconceptions with him, or get him to request the presence of his watch commander.

It takes a certain mentality - inculcated in training and during their “probie” period - to make a successful street cop. But they deal most often with a societal stratum where “face” is an important element in their personal safety. IOW you can’t afford to look “weak”, regardless of the circumstances once you’ve committed.

And there are “bad cops”. Cops that see the badge as excuse to bully/threaten/intimidate everyone unfortunate to cross their path. Every PD has them. Philly, unfortunately, seems to have more than its share.

But the gentleman’s real “violation” was documenting the level of bullying/ignorance and lack of “people skills” this BIB (bully in blue) evidenced. The PPD’s management has to play by the same rules as their street cops.
Any “slacking” is seen as weakness in Council, so he has to get the treatment. Once the account hit Facebook it was no longer a legality” issue, but one of face. >PS

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

Update:

After Altercation, Philadelphia Police Won't Look the Other Way on Open-Carry Gun Owners