Cops at the door

[C9H13NO3]

This isn't so much a "what would you do in this scenario" thread. I played poker last night and got home around 1:30am. Got home, turned on the TV, took my jeans off in the living room and layed down on the couch to watch a show. I was tired, turned off the TV, and passed out.

Around 3:30am, I hear knocking on my door and it wakes me up. I don't care what anyone needs at 3:30, so I went back to sleep. The knocking continues, then I hear talking and someone walking around to my window. I still don't care what they want, but I pull my jeans over so my gun is handy in case something happens.

Again, knocking at the door. I still ignore it, but it continues. I figure they aren't going to give up, so I throw on my jeans and walk to the door. I've got my gun in the holster and turned away, and I decide to look through the peep hole first. It looks like a security guard, or a cop. Playing it safe, I set the gun on a shelf out of view but within arms reach. I've heard of people dressing as cops to gain entry to someone's house, and I know I haven't done or witnessed anything wrong.

I open the door a crack, and he explains the people above me had complained about hearing explosions on my stereo and other loud noise. I told him the TV had been on for about a half hour, but that was hours ago. He left without incident.

Anyway, to the point...is it going to be trouble if you answer the door and it's a cop, and you have a gun openly carried on your person? If you have it hidden but in your hand, is that going to get you shot? Not really sure of the protocol for this...

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[BlueNinjaGo]

In Texas? Lol. No worries man. (Assuming you're on your own property, you can open or conceal carry w/o a permit.) Just don't be surprised if the LEO doesn't like you holding it...

[XD 45]

no not if your state has a castle doctrine in place because you are on your own property.

[Bm7b5]

If you live in Phoenix and the officer sees your gun and decides to whip his out and shoot you, there is a high likelihood that it will be ruled he acted within policy.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

[EvilMonk]

That would be a tough call without the laws known immediately.

Good to hear all went well.

[C9H13NO3]

If you live in Phoenix and the officer sees your gun and decides to whip his out and shoot you, there is a high likelihood that it will be ruled he acted within policy.

Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com

Wow. Note to self...if living in AZ, kill the intruder, THEN call the cops and tell them it is no longer an emergency. I can't believe they were cleared. But that's an argument for another topic.

I think keeping it in the holster will be fine if it happens again. If I don't recognize it as a cop or guard, I'll have it in hand at those hours of the night.

[PastorPack]

Just have to remember that guns make cops VERY nervous. I would ask to see ID and that they state their business.

[BuckeyeEric]

Castle Doctrine (SB184) fully in place in OH (Finally). Come to the door with gun in hand.....just don't cross the threshold of your door or point it at anyone unless threatened.

[gunthorp]

It is not recommended to have a gun in hand visible to any LEO without prior acknowledgment or permission. His surprise could become mutual. If it is concealed or not visible, a gun should be very accessible for a wee hour knock at the door. Any little middle-of-the-night knock or noise around here sets off a cacophony of mastiff queries that make it difficult to carry on a conversation.

[tns0038]

I normally answering the door with my pistol concealed from their site, or holstered, so the person I’m speaking with has no idea I’m armed.

Over 25 years ago, I use to roll with the SD on NARC raids, and I’ll tell you that if you’re holding a gun in your hand it would not be pleasant.

The problem is you don’t know why an LEO is at your door or if they have the wrong Intel, or wrong address.

So it’s best to never hold a gun in your hand, where they can see you.

At 3:30 in the morning, I would ask for “ID” and then close the door (locked) and then call 911 to confirm who they are. Or I might just call 911, without opening the door, and report a suspicious person at my door, and then let the operator tell me they are real LEO’s.

[skot]

There's no way in hell I would answer the door for the police with it in my hand. IMO that's just asking to get shot. I'd keep it on my belt either open or concealed, just not in my hand.

[BuckeyeEric]

It is not recommended to have a gun in hand visible to any LEO without prior acknowledgment or permission. His surprise could become mutual. If it is concealed or not visible, a gun should be very accessible for a wee hour knock at the door. Any little middle-of-the-night knock or noise around here sets off a cacophony of mastiff queries that make it difficult to carry on a conversation.

Oh yeah.....thats what i meant!!! I wouldn't recommend swinging the door wide open brandishing weapons.....screaming at the top of your voice "what the **** do you want!!! That would be silly.

[BuckeyeEric]

The problem is you don’t know why an LEO is at your door or if they have the wrong Intel, or wrong address.

So it’s best to never hold a gun in your hand, where they can see you.

yeah again, this is what i meant. The OP indicated that "he didn't do anything wrong or did he witness anything."

There has been a rise in home invasions here in Cincy by BG impersonating LEO.

[C9H13NO3]

It would be sweet to have one of those little sliding windows in your door like at an old speakeasy...talk and see more through it without actually opening the door.

[Kicker96fs]

It would be sweet to have one of those little sliding windows in your door like at an old speakeasy...talk and see more through it without actually opening the door.

As long as there is a steel plate from there down......