I agree with davidmil for the most part. The cops should know the law as it pertains to their job though. IN their defense and in my opinion, they are paid to protect us from real criminals not jackwagons that are try to make them look bad. Gunman needs kicked in the junk and the cops need to brush up on the law.
Who cares if the DA is pissed. A man exercised his rights in accordance with the law. It is not his fault that the police officers did not know the law. So just because Philly is so out of control and the cops are hypervigilant means that a law abiding citizen probbaly should not open carry? So the thugs really have the control. To me, that is the real reason why the guy should have been carrying in the first place. We have open carry laws here in Virginia and I have seen guys walking around with guns on their hips and waists for a long time. I like it. I just looked up the year to date crime stats for Philly. Goodness. I can see why the guy wants to open carry. Since 1/1/11 Homocides=100 Robbery with a gun=1065 Robbery with other-1451 Aggravated assault-1900
Or could it be that the guy was prepared in the event that he would actually have to use the weapon he was carrying. Having any altercation taped (as he did) would show that he acted legally. (As he did) It may be just the evidence he would need in court to save his arse. (as it is) Saying that he should just comply is eerily similar to the bad advice they used to give women about dealing with rapists. Just give in and deal with it later. I call B.S. That approach won't solve the real problem here. IMO this "jackwagon" did nothing to make this cop look bad. This cop was able to do it very well on his own. I fully support good cops. And there are many, many good cops out there making this world a safer place for all of us. But supporting good cops also means calling out bad cops. I applaud Mr. Fiarinno(sp?) for standing up for all our rights.
I fully support cops as well. That's actually why I have slight issue with why this guy did what he did. You want to carry open? Good. I FULLY support that.You want to carry a recorder in case something happens? Good, I FULLY support that. It's seems to me that he got exactly what he wanted, not just harassed and then using the recorder to clear himself.
What would have happened if he did not carry the tape recorder (available on most new cell phone btw) and he was treated in the manner as described in the article?
The po-po would have called B.S. and Fiorino probably would have went to jail on some bogus charge(s). The recording changes everything I think. I agree that the cops should have known the law but also agree that this guy may have been looking for an altercation. Is a criminal really going to pass over you if you're open carrying? I was serious about that question but then read this article. I guess it helps but I still won't ever do it. http://packinginnova.blogspot.com/2006/12/open-carry-deters-bank-robbery.html I never open carry because I'm uncomfortable doing so. In fact, I bought a Ruger LCP which is holstered in a "front pocket" holster that I actually put in my back pocket. (I carry my wallet in my front pocket.) I wanted this small pistol so no one would know I was carrying. AND if ever asked to "hand over my wallet" I'd have something to give them. I feel if I open carried around town...I would be harassed and probably treated like Fiorino. Just a feeling. I'm sure the police don't like taking chances. Their lives are on the line everyday. This whole ordeal may have ended sooner if Fiorino co-operated. Hell, if I was in his shoes...I would have gotten down on the ground when asked. Not doing so may have been a good reason to get shot. His point should not be worth losing his life.
Agreed. For those of you whom are saying the cops are justified, how many criminals do you think would openly carry in a holster?
Exactly Finch. The recorder would have been turned on but with a gun and a nervous cop holding that gun pointing at me I would have dropped to the ground on his command with a little hesitance but non the less I would be in fear of my life and just sort it all out later. Really Christine??? In the same sentence you state there is apparently a cop problem and you are going to argue with said cop that has a gun pointed at you?? Not me sis.
I am hitting the deck if a police officer tells me to drop. Finch, I understand what you are saying. If/when I get my concealed weapons permit I will carry concealed.
Donnie, I'm really digging the way you carry, I could definitely do this when wearing cargo shorts, but does it ever make you nervous to "sit" on your gun?
At first I was nervous but I got over it. I keep one in the chamber ready to go and haven't shot myself in the ass yet. :D I see no way that the trigger can be pulled while in this holster. I can draw my gun right out of my back pocket while the holster remains in place. DeSantis Nemesis
Can't even believe anyone would remotely defend this cop in this situation. Tool with a badge abusing his power, shocking (<<<sarcasm). Probably was so shook up about the whole event that later he went to the local watering hole and had a few drinks to knock the edge off then drove himself home, I mean he doesn't have to worry about another cop running him in if he gets pulled. If there were no recorder said cop would have run this guy in on some bs charges and what could the guy have done. It would have been his word against the cops and guess who gets the benefit of the doubt on that one. What a joke, the officer had his firearm drawn and aimed at this guy and threatened to shoot him multiple times. The officer was facing no immediate physical threat and the "perp" was calmy talking the whole time with his firearm holstered. Who is the threat to society in this story, a guy legally open carrying or some emotionally unstable cop with a questionable understanding of the laws he is supposed to be enforcing. I love all the commentary where the cop describes how the situation went down, embellish much?
Here's 20+ pages of what cops think of us "citizens": http://copswritingcops.yuku.com/forum/viewtopic/id/362/ I know it's not all cops but still pretty disturbing.
I could only read two pages of that crap. Looks like some "coppers" would their "brothers" get away with murder. I agree with this guy.
This incident was a class A "cluster----" from the beginning. The OC guy was clearly an idiot on a mission. The responding officer was an even bigger idiot for A: not knowing the law, and B: taking the bait and running with it. Winner: Open Carry idiot on a mission. Trust me guys (and Christine), most cops feel that the officer should be immediately relieved of his position/duties. It's quite embarassing to the LE community.
