The onliest ones.

"But I Am a Cop!"



So on my way home, I stopped at the Post Office in a very small town to check the P.O. Box.  I stop about twice a week to check on it.

As is Federal Law, I disarm, leaving my carry gun locked in the car (or truck). I believe the requirement that I disarm to get my mail is illegal and unconstitutional, but the courts disagree, so I follow the law.

As I am coming into the Post Office, my holster empty (and coat pulled over it) , I encounter the Chief of Police of that small town. He is in civilian clothes and I realized that the car I had parked next to in the lot was his personal car. I smile and raise my hand in greeting.

He looks at me and says "Hi", and then waits while I fish out my key and open the mailbox. I retrieve my mail and then turn to see what he wants...

Now this Cop is, actually, generally a decent sort. He does his job, seldom has an attitude, and is a decent guy most of the time... I have interacted with him several times over the years. His officers use our range twice a year to practice and before their certification testing (which is another good story for another time). He knows I carry, and have a permit.

"Got a question for ya, B" he says. "Do you carry here in the Post Office?"

"Nope," I said, "Federal Law, ya know.....not worth losing my permit over...plus there is the whole prison thing...".

"You wouldn't just be saying that, would you?" He asks.

"Nope, I am serious. No heater today...not in here......In the car".

"Mind if I check?"

"Actually, yes....Got a warrant?"

"No. Was just curious"

"Probable cause?"

"No"

"Then I decline to be searched" I said with a smile..."Fourth Amendment, you know"

We stare at each other for a moment, then I step between him and the door and then ask...."You on duty? Or on the way home?"

"On the way home".

"Ah, so you are here as a civilian then, not on Police business"

"Yep, if you want to look at it that way.".

"But you are carrying," I point out pointing at his Glock in a OWB holster..."In a Post Office....Isn't that a felony?"

"I'm a cop" he says, and brushed past me and left....

Interesting, Innit?