Citizen
Founder's Club Member
I do not show ID to police while OC for same reason I do not whilst not carrying at all. I do not want to and I have no legal obligation to do so.
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Forum founder Mike recommended a number of times something he called sterile carry--open carry without carrying ID. Of course, only where legal--meaning not in states where you needed a permit to OC and were also required to have an ID document along with permit. I did that a number of times, but not always. Forgetfulness initially.
Then I changed my personal policy. My personal policy is that if a cop even consensually contacts me about my OC'd defensive side-arm, I am writing a formal complaint.
Now, some folks might think that over the top. But, hear me out.
First, if a cop contacts me even consensually about my OC'd defensive sidearm, he's proved he's willing to reduce an enumerated human right to suspicion of criminality. Nope. Ain't gonna sit still for that one. Second, just based on personal statistics and reports here on OCDO, lots of cops will screw up even a consensual encounter.
Thus, I'm planning on giving him my ID because about two days later he's gonna learn my identity anyway when my formal complaint lands on the desk at Internal Affairs.
HOWEVER! That is my right--to show ID or not. I reserve the right to not show it, or even identify myself verbally absent a state statute or local ordinance requiring it.
Oh, that reminds me. County and city ordinances can change monthly--just a vote by the Board of Supervisors or Town Council. I can't keep up with new ordinances in every local jurisdiction I visit. I'm not gonna walk into a citation or arrest by withholding identity. <chuckle> Especially when cops have such a rich history of overstepping their authority. Heck, just based on reports to date, a cop demanding my identity has a good chance of a formal complaint sticking to him for other reasons. Thus, I don't mind a cop asking my identity. He's going to find out who I am anyway in about two or three days. Guaranteed. That's my policy. Every single misstep the cop makes during even a consensual encounter is going to be a bullet-point in a formal complaint.
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