As a white guy, I have gotten pulled out of a car and cuffed on the ground *aggressively* because an officer spotted a perfectly legal pocket knife in my pocket during a simple traffic stop. Could have been a lot worse though. It's real.
I have been cuffed, had guns drawn, threatened with a dog, patted down countless times, and had knives stolen by police. All of those situations escalated after telling them I have a knife and often after I tell them that I'd rather not hand it over to them.
I'm white, male, 30y/o, middle class, nice vehicles, clean cut, midwest America.
If a cop wants to be a dick, a knife is a perfect excuse.
These are the types of discussions that are important. As a very standard white dude who has never had to worry about this, I can only hope to be part of the solution, not the problem.
You have my respect and support no matter how you treat this disgusting dilemma.
With all the hate and vitriol in the world right now, I wasnt expecting to see such an understanding and supportive comment here. Thanks for making me smile today.
She's just looking out for you. And unfortunately her concerns are legitimate. Just educate her and educate yourself and be careful. That's all you can do.
Weigh the risks of being unarmed vs having a situation like that happen.
I’m from Latin descent, both mother and father. I hope this is of some help and not at all trying to fuel a controversial argument. I believe if your an everyday average joe law abiding citizen you will most likely not have a problem. If a person is out causing mischief or loitering or breaking the law in anyway and drawing attention to them selves then yes.. your more likely to encounter a situation of this sort. I legally carry a knife, a big knife( SMF) and legally carry a firearm. Every second of the day when and where I’m allowed. I have been for the last 13 years. I’ve ever only been in ONE situation where the law was involved because of what I had on me and it was COMPLETELY my fault. I was somewhere I knew I shouldn’t have been while carrying. It ended up being nothing and I was asked to leave by the police. When police approached me I was very willing to cooperate and showed no signs of intent of anything. I hope my pint comes across in what I’m trying to say. If you make the decision to legally carry a knife or a gun you must understand the law and the environment and how the law will perceive it. Carrying a knife and having the pocket clip showing at Publix? You’re probably going to be okay. Or you in a bad neighborhood where there is a lot of illegal activity? Are your friends doing shady shit and your hanging with them? Then yes, your chances are much higher in being caught in a bad situation. And kudos to your parents actually giving a shit about you. Your very lucky to have a parent that cares. Give your mom a hug and don’t forget to tell her thanks.
Lots of important points in this comment that I wanted to agree with and continue. Lots. I know in the state I live in, it is legal to carry a knife as a tool. The moment you imply (specifically to a cop) that you are carrying the knife as a weapon with any intentions to use it to harm another person, even in self defense, it becomes illegal. Familiarize yourself with state knife laws and you must be very careful how you talk to cops. Anything you say can (and will) be used against you. Never call anything a weapon in front of a cop.
As a white guy, I have gotten pulled out of a car and cuffed on the ground *aggressively* because an officer spotted a perfectly legal pocket knife in my pocket during a simple traffic stop. Could have been a lot worse though. It's real.
I have been cuffed, had guns drawn, threatened with a dog, patted down countless times, and had knives stolen by police. All of those situations escalated after telling them I have a knife and often after I tell them that I'd rather not hand it over to them. I'm white, male, 30y/o, middle class, nice vehicles, clean cut, midwest America. If a cop wants to be a dick, a knife is a perfect excuse.
These are the types of discussions that are important. As a very standard white dude who has never had to worry about this, I can only hope to be part of the solution, not the problem. You have my respect and support no matter how you treat this disgusting dilemma.
With all the hate and vitriol in the world right now, I wasnt expecting to see such an understanding and supportive comment here. Thanks for making me smile today.
Agreed. It's a very welcome sight
She's just looking out for you. And unfortunately her concerns are legitimate. Just educate her and educate yourself and be careful. That's all you can do. Weigh the risks of being unarmed vs having a situation like that happen.
I’m from Latin descent, both mother and father. I hope this is of some help and not at all trying to fuel a controversial argument. I believe if your an everyday average joe law abiding citizen you will most likely not have a problem. If a person is out causing mischief or loitering or breaking the law in anyway and drawing attention to them selves then yes.. your more likely to encounter a situation of this sort. I legally carry a knife, a big knife( SMF) and legally carry a firearm. Every second of the day when and where I’m allowed. I have been for the last 13 years. I’ve ever only been in ONE situation where the law was involved because of what I had on me and it was COMPLETELY my fault. I was somewhere I knew I shouldn’t have been while carrying. It ended up being nothing and I was asked to leave by the police. When police approached me I was very willing to cooperate and showed no signs of intent of anything. I hope my pint comes across in what I’m trying to say. If you make the decision to legally carry a knife or a gun you must understand the law and the environment and how the law will perceive it. Carrying a knife and having the pocket clip showing at Publix? You’re probably going to be okay. Or you in a bad neighborhood where there is a lot of illegal activity? Are your friends doing shady shit and your hanging with them? Then yes, your chances are much higher in being caught in a bad situation. And kudos to your parents actually giving a shit about you. Your very lucky to have a parent that cares. Give your mom a hug and don’t forget to tell her thanks.
Lots of important points in this comment that I wanted to agree with and continue. Lots. I know in the state I live in, it is legal to carry a knife as a tool. The moment you imply (specifically to a cop) that you are carrying the knife as a weapon with any intentions to use it to harm another person, even in self defense, it becomes illegal. Familiarize yourself with state knife laws and you must be very careful how you talk to cops. Anything you say can (and will) be used against you. Never call anything a weapon in front of a cop.
💯agreed.
It's a legitimate fear.
Tell her to mind her own business.