yhtomit said: I wonder if my plate is linked to a database of CCW holders, such that a PA policeman at least would know that I had it.
PA doesn't even maintain a state registry of CCW holders. Every local Sheriff Dept maintains its own. Its one reason we have such a problem with reciprocity in other states.
Back on topic. . .
The best man in my wedding was out groundhog hunting a few seasons ago with a friend; nice summer day, wide open fields, big rifles with big scopes. An old 60 some year old policeman he knew from the county came up the lane to say hi, with his "rookie" in tow. "Rookie"
discovers they have rifles as he gets into conversation distance, unsnaps and makes a positive grip . . . Vet says basically, "You $%^*%!!! Put that #% ^^#$ thing away before you get your @$% handed to you. If they wanted to shoot your @$%, they woulda done it 10 minutes ago before you got close enough to say hi. You better learn how to better deal with the public, boy, if you wanna last long on this job."
"So, Joe, how are the wife and kids, anyway . . . "
At one time it was considered unprofessional and a sign of immaturity to not know how to appropriately interact with others. Time and experience taught the officer when he can't, and in the meantime they were mentored to learn the clues to be able to tell the difference. Some still do. Others without the ability hide behind zero tolerance, procedures, and officer safety while they go to guns on everyone without discretion.
I had an entirely opposite encounter when I was groundhog hunting before I was married. I haven't hunted in 5 years as a result of it.
The unintended consequence of treating everyone like a criminal causes the public to remove its trust from those claiming to protect us.