For some reason I can't leave this alone.
Please don't confuse this as bashing any LEO, it is not, but this incident was handled poorly, on both sides. Don't the Officers involved typically control the situation? I'm not an LEO, and I have the greatest respect for those that are, it's a tough job, with little respect. That said I also understand the constant threat to the well being of the Officer and the need to control the outcome of any contact with public. I can see though that pulling your gun, pointing it at the occupants of the vehicle, and yelling did nothing to help the situation. Saying that this incident "almost got her shot" doesn't sit well with me. She did not have a gun in her hand, you escalated the situation to a level where everyone was nervous, if you shot her or the passenger it would have been awful. Again, who is in control of this situation? You state "If you act properly the Police will act properly". To me this is kind of like parenting, lead by example, I can assure you the thing those girls left with is thinking COPs are over reactive, gun pointing, yelling, maniacs. Not a good way to build respect.
As I stated in my first post, it is so easy to look at this from the outside, and critique the situation, I hope you and the other officer used it as a learning experience as well. For the public the suggestions are excellent. I approach any traffic stop as the Officer viewing me as a potential threat. I do everything possible to show that I am not, windows down, hands on the wheel, interior light on if it is after dark. I do not dig, look for, or move until the officer has told me to do so. I tell them I am carrying before any other action takes place, my wallet is in my pocket so I wait for the Officer to direct me to get it once he knows where my gun is.
Please don't confuse this as bashing any LEO, it is not, but this incident was handled poorly, on both sides. Don't the Officers involved typically control the situation? I'm not an LEO, and I have the greatest respect for those that are, it's a tough job, with little respect. That said I also understand the constant threat to the well being of the Officer and the need to control the outcome of any contact with public. I can see though that pulling your gun, pointing it at the occupants of the vehicle, and yelling did nothing to help the situation. Saying that this incident "almost got her shot" doesn't sit well with me. She did not have a gun in her hand, you escalated the situation to a level where everyone was nervous, if you shot her or the passenger it would have been awful. Again, who is in control of this situation? You state "If you act properly the Police will act properly". To me this is kind of like parenting, lead by example, I can assure you the thing those girls left with is thinking COPs are over reactive, gun pointing, yelling, maniacs. Not a good way to build respect.
As I stated in my first post, it is so easy to look at this from the outside, and critique the situation, I hope you and the other officer used it as a learning experience as well. For the public the suggestions are excellent. I approach any traffic stop as the Officer viewing me as a potential threat. I do everything possible to show that I am not, windows down, hands on the wheel, interior light on if it is after dark. I do not dig, look for, or move until the officer has told me to do so. I tell them I am carrying before any other action takes place, my wallet is in my pocket so I wait for the Officer to direct me to get it once he knows where my gun is.