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Wow.

A few things come to mind -

First the cop:
He needs to keep things more calm. I agree with going to condition Orange, and taking control of the situation immediately. However, that can be done with tact and professionalism, up until somebody is actually trying to kill you. Then all bets are off...

His tactics are terrible in a few ways - I ask everyone if they are armed, carrying drugs, or in possesion of stolen property. Of course they say no usually, but it's how they say no that interests me. This guy probably would have said yes. I also do this while people are seated in the car. Getting people out is a "400 level" skill best left to the level headed. He prones the guy out, ok, if we are freaking out about a gun, I guess that makes sense, but then has him put his hands behind his back (by said gun) and then leaves sight of him to clear the car. This is just terrible, and incredibly dangerous - assuming he perceived this poor guy and his gun to be a threat. The telling moment in loosing his cool was "I don't care if you have a permit" for me.

How I would've done it: sure put his hands against the car, and start asking about the gun. Check for a permit, or whatever you need to do, maybe even have the interlock his fingers behind his head (where I can hold them there) until I dug enough to feel safe, or sack him up. I definitely wouldn't start cussing at him like he was hitting my wife...


The violator:
I inform LEOs I'm armed when I am stopped, and I appreciate the same courtesy. Surprises usually work against you when you're stopped, so that helps to avoid some cop freaking out on you. Guns are not huge deal to most of here, but the side of town where I work, most people found with weapons by LEOs go to jail (felons, gang members, drunk, robbery suspects). The violator didn't do anything "wrong" per say, but I offer some helpful hints to avoid this situation.




I'll be showing this video in our shift briefing for discussion.