Police and Knives

M

MikeB18

Joined
May 5, 2013
Messages
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Today I was talking with an on duty city cop and we are discussing something and then he points to my pocket and says "What is that?"
Me "A Pocket knife"
Him "What type?"
Me "It is a tool and just a folding knife" (I take it out and open it with two hands then close it)
Him "Good"

He was most likely hoping to nail me for some illegal blade law.
He is a bit of a dick but just doing his job. Definitely not the worst Officer in my small city though.
I also stress that it is a tool whenever I am questioned about it.

Hopefully soon enough I will get into a career in law enforcement. I had a standing offer for a patrol deputy in Texas but turned it down due to lack of pay and having to pay for my own training.
 
Maybe he just likes knives? Sounds like you two kinda know each other but if a officer you do not know asks about your knife I would strongly suggest that you do not reach for it and for God's sake don't open it!
 
flatblackcapo said:
Maybe he just likes knives? Sounds like you two kinda know each other but if a officer you do not know asks about your knife I would strongly suggest that you do not reach for it and for God's sake don't open it!
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This.

If you thought he was going to try to "nail you" why did you take it out of your pocket?? You want to be a police officer later, right? Rule number 1, dont give the police the evidence they need to make a case against you. The story here is kind of unclear. Are you acquaintances?

If you go on to be a police officer, you'll learn how to make suspects incriminate themselves. When talking to the police, unless they are personal friends, or unless you know without a doubt your knife is legal, give short answers, and surrender no facts. Make them work for it. A lot of times they won't bother if they have to work for it.
 
Meh let it be. Ive shown knives to LE around here and have yet to get hassled for doing so. That's how I ask alot of my "would this be illegal" questions. I don't know maybe I live where no one gives a shit about pocket knives. And maybe that's why Im the only knife guy around my area... im sure he was just curious or another knife guy.
 
Dick officer chiming in here...

90% of the time I see a pocket clip hanging out I ignore it. I watch the hands.

When I have worked an EJ at a nite club and I see a knife coming in, I ASK that they go back and leave it in thier car, even DA's and autos.
 
I had a similar incounter in the city while working. I walked in QT and the cop said "Hey! Come here!". I acted dumb (like always). "What's that?". I answered with a 'YOUR SO BUSTED' grin "um....just my mail bag, sir".
Him, "Is it sharp? Come here and cut this for me."
We talked knives for 10 minutes or so. I met him the next day with a few to look at an he bought a Blur.
 
I like what one poster once suggested: "As you can plainly see, it is a small pocket knife" This gets it on record that it is in plain view (assuming the clip shows) and not concealed.
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
"As you can plainly see, it is a small pocket knife" This gets it on record that it is in plain view (assuming the clip shows) and not concealed.
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Which in NYC can get you arrested, since, fixed or folder, all knives must be carried concealed.
 
The way the Officer asked "What type" showed me that he was looking to see if it was legal. I am sure he is a knife guy and he is not a bad cop but he is no Officer friendly.

The knife was an Ontario RAT Model 1 and I live in upstate NY so I knew I was legal. When I opened it I opened it in a manor that was non threatening and proved it was legal.
 
I must just be blessed. I always carry a pocket knife, and usually a small to medium fixed blade. Been pulled over by a cop speeding and he asked if I had any weapons, and told him I keep a fixed blade in the glove box and a BK3 under the passenger seat. Even offered to get out and let him pull them out, or get them for him, both of which he declined. I see cops all the time when I have knives on me, and have never even been questioned. I'm starting to think they don't think of me as the tough guy I want to be seen as. Oh well.
 
The proper answer when questioned by police about what type of knife you have is "The kind that's legal according to state law and the attorneys."
 
Charlie_K said:
The proper answer when questioned by police about what type of knife you have is "The kind that's legal according to state law and the attorneys."
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Damn good response! Though I feel most people would say it smugly and might set the wrong officer off.
 
MikeB18 said:
Damn good response! Though I feel most people would say it smugly and might set the wrong officer off.
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Well then that's their fault if they come off looking for a fight. You need to exercise due diligence with your words as well as your knife.
 
Charlie_K said:
The proper answer when questioned by police about what type of knife you have is "The kind that's legal according to state law and the attorneys."
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More then a while back I took an Administration of Justice college course from an ex-cop. During one of his anecdotes, he told us that the best way to stay out of trouble with the cops was to just be polite. They deal with jerks all day and have no qualms about bringing the hurt down on them. OP's response "It is a tool and just a folding knife" was the best one he could have given.

You may (probably will) beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride being undiplomatic. Just saying...
 
Clang! said:
More then a while back I took an Administration of Justice college course from an ex-cop. During one of his anecdotes, he told us that the best way to stay out of trouble with the cops was to just be polite. They deal with jerks all day and have no qualms about bringing the hurt down on them. OP's response "It is a tool and just a folding knife" was the best one he could have given.

You may (probably will) beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride being undiplomatic. Just saying...
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Yup I've taken AJ classes as well, I am also under the same impression from it that if you are just polite to them and show them respect it will go a lot smoother. Though I was also taught to give them nothing in terms of information whenever possible and only answer when required, and in short answers that are too the point. Though personally I would have just answered it with telling them I carry a plain old folding knife as a tool and try to keep it within all the state/local laws I found. It answers the question and tells them I try to stay current on the laws on it so busting me for an illegal knife is unlikely, so it's a waste of time to hassle me about it. Plus if they tried to confiscate it I would ask for a receipt and if they refused I have they badge number, time, and report it immediately.

My general strategy in this situation is basically what I said above and basic small talk which gives them no information be and be careful about what I say. Mainly to just put them at ease and make it seem like I am fully cooperating and not just giving them the bare minimal info. Though I wouldn't pull out the knife and show it because 1) it shows them what it is and gives them information 2) lets not make the guy with the badge and gun jumpy by going for our "weapon" without them asking.
 
Time for another question regarding the police and knives.

Provided your state has done like several others and eliminated its provisions on what amounts to criminal possession of an illegal knife and there's now no legally enforceable standard for an illegal knife, can they bust you if they find you carrying an improvised cutting or sharp implement?
 
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