LEO visiting D.C. question...

[Protector]

I just found out today my department is sending me to Homeland Security training in Washington D.C. next week. I will be armed and technically 'on-duty' at this training, but in plain clothes. Due to my airline times and training schedule I will have a couple of afternoons and evenings free to tour our nation's capitol. In checking the websites for various museums, monuments and exhibits they all have 'no weapons' warnings, some of which border on airline security (no fingernail files, scissors, etc.). Does anyone know if there is an exception for law enforcement...or will I be looking at these places from the outside only? Thanx!

 

[Hypnogator]

If you're an active sworn officer you should be able to get in, but may have to leave your weapon secured in a locker. I used to all the time, with no problem, but that was (1) before 9/11 and (2) when I was a Fed.

Good luck -- the museums are well worth the time. Especially the aerospace museum, museum of natural history, and museum of American culture.

 

[dev_null]

Don't forget the NRA Firearms Museum on Rt. 50 in VA.

 

[kayak bum]

My experience has been that DC Metro is very accomodating to other LEOs; Feds and Fed buildings much less so.

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

LEOs should follow the same rules we ALL have to

I don't get it. The signs say "No Firearms". They don't say "No Firearms - except unless you're a LEO and you're here on duty in a working capacity, and then only by permission of the building owner". They just say "No Firearms". To me that should be interpreted as 'No Exceptions Dummie'.

Realistically, I know that LEOs are expected to be armed at all times "just in case", but hey isn't that the WHOLE POINT?? Armed citizens who do not have a criminal background and who have gone to the time and effort of getting training, obtaining a lawful CCW permit etc. should not be automatically disarmed.

IMHO the signs should all be altered to read "No Illegal Firearms".

It irritates me that the only places I must go with an empty magazine is a gunshow and that I must completely disarm when going aboard a military base. The irony ALWAYS hits me, every single time.

 

[1911 guy]

Cap'n Mike is the MAN!

I don't normally go off like this, but why should you be able to exercise a right the rest of us are denied? Simply because of a job of YOUR choosing? Get off your high horse and join the rest of us trying to change the laws, not circumvent them for our pleasure and everyone else be damned.

 

[Alex45ACP]

Armed citizens... who have gone to the time and effort of getting training, obtaining a lawful CCW permit etc. should not be automatically disarmed.

Training and getting a permit shouldn't even be necessary.

 

[armoredman]

Better double check - I think only Fed LEO and Fed judges can carry in DC. I believe Mas ran into that problem up there back in the day...

To those complaining - you too can go LEO and have that "privlidge", or you can work to change the laws as well. He never said he wasn't - I'll bet he is pro, since he posted here! I have CCW without a permit authority on my badge as well, but I still do all the calling, letter writing, etc, to get the laws back to where they should be, EVEN THOUGH IT DOESN'T AFFECT ME PERSONALLY. Don't auto-assume anyone who is LEo is anti/doesn't care/JBT/etc.
" Son,all that hate is gonna burn you up."
"Keeps me warm."
Thank you for your time, rant off.

 

[countertop]

If you have time - after visiting the NRA Museum (one of the better ones in the DC area) make the 3 mile drive down the road to the new Air and Space Annex at Dulles Airport. Awesome.

As far as DC - there aren't metal detectors at any of the Smithsonians or other museums that I know of.

Entering Government office buildings (and the Capitol and White House), on the other hand, is a much different story.


PM me and I can get you more detailed local info.

 

[brickeyee]

"As far as DC - there aren't metal detectors at any of the Smithsonians or other museums that I know of."

The Smithsonian has metal detectors at almost all entrances of the facilities now.

 

[Steve in PA]

As a LEO you can carry in D.C., however Federal Buildings will be a different story.

 

[Blue Jays]

Hi Armoredman-

"...To those complaining - you too can go LEO and have that "privlidge", or you can work to change the laws as well..."

How about this? I had a relative who took the exam to be an FBI agent a few years after college to follow in the footsteps of other family members in law enforcement. He passed the written exams, passed the oral exams, passed the criminal background check, passed the agility/running tests...and only when they got to the medical exam did they learn that he had been diabetic for fifteen years. He even played several team sports and benchpressed 300 pounds. Despite the fact that he excelled on everything thrown at him and was the picture of perfect health, he was denied being an FBI agent because he had to stick himself with a needle twice daily.

So, the simple fact-of-the-matter is people can't always "decide" that they're going to become LEO to get a few extra privileges accorded to them that should be given to everyone anyway.

Constitutional rights can't be changed on a whim. Either everyone has got them, or they don't. 1911 Guy and Captain Mike are absolutely correct.

~ Blue Jays ~

 

[armoredman]

Tell him to come work with us - I know several officers who are diabetic... I worked hard in the academy to get where I am, for the priviledge of being thrown on, assaulted, stabbed, etc, to help protect the people of AZ, whether or not they care, or even notice. I also still call, write, etc, for the extension of CCW to all, repeal of NFA 34, GCA 68, etc, as i believe 99% of personal disarmament laws are unconsitutional. That's where we want to be. On the other hand that's not where we are right now, and I use the perks of the job to carry concealed without use of a permit, because I am authorized by law to do so. Should I jump up and down,and cry, and refuse to, since you can't? Sorry, all out of that today. I will continue to work to change the laws so you can, but until that time, I will exercise the privledge I worked to get.
Sorry to continue a thread hi-jack - have fun in DC, sir, and post some pics, if you can!

 

[centac]

I never viewed carrying as a privilege, it is more of a reponsibility. Why should I as a LEO campaign for CCW for you if y'all get all snitty because we can where you cannot? Is that whining I hear?

 

[Old Dog]

I never viewed carrying as a privilege, it is more of a reponsibility.

Sorry, it's neither. It's a right. But okay, for you, as a LEO, it may also be a responsibility (one which we all would hope you would take seriously, as many LEOs evidently do not).

Why should I as a LEO campaign for CCW for you if y'all get all snitty because we can where you cannot? Is that whining I hear?

Wow. If you're truly a supporter of the 2nd Amendment and the right of Americans to keep and bear arms, then I submit you have a responsibility to campaign for CCW for everyone, regardless of whether or not you are offended by the few who "whine." Frankly, on my last visit to our nation's capital, I was offended by the fact that I could not carry my personal handgun ... and I've been serving my country in the armed forces for 25 years (not that that should give me any special status -- but it simply seems ironic) ...

 

[Blue Jays]

Hi centac-

Everyone has lots of things on their plates between work, home, family, children, friends, events, local politics, and a host of other things that consume huge amounts of time. The natural tendency for law enforcement personnel who are otherwise pro-RKBA could be to say, "Well, I've got mine and I'm able to carry wherever I need to carry. If others want their rights preserved, they'll have to campaign on their own..."

That is all fine and good and people SHOULD carry their own weight. The only problem with your earlier statement about people getting "snitty" or "whining" is that you are in fact acknowledging there is a vast (and growing...) difference in rights. It sounds like you have an inclination to maintain that situation because you don't like the attitudes of fellow citizens. One can't pick and choose rights...they come as a package deal for everyone.

~ Blue Jays ~

 

[countertop]

The Smithsonian has metal detectors at almost all entrances of the facilities now.

They do?

They didn't at the Air and Space Museum two weeks ago
Or the National Gallery of Art (or its East Wing) this afternoon.

I know I saw some temporary magnometers at the new Indian Museum when I went last month, but they weren't working. Since there was some event there the night before I assumed they were related to the event.

 

[1911 guy]

opposable thumbs (and viewpoints)

First off, I believe one of the posters above is right, if you're not in official capacity you can't carry in D.C. Judges and Marshals are the exceptions. Secondly, Armoredman is to be commended for his efforts. I've read some of his posts on other topics and he seems to be level headed and active in our campaign to enlighten the masses, ie. elected reps. On the other hand, read some of the posts by another LEO on this thread and earlier ones, too, and you'll see that the rant by me and others is justifiable. The "holier than thou" and "I'm better trained than you" complex is alive and well among far too many of the protect (after the shootin's over) and serve (I'll terry stop you and write a ticket for being ugly if I damn well please) crowd.

 

[buzz_knox]

Why should I as a LEO campaign for CCW for you if y'all get all snitty because we can where you cannot? Is that whining I hear?

On second thought, your statement speaks for itself without my adding much. Suggesting that if we assert our rights, you won't support us because we're "whining" shows both the value and likelihood of said support.

 

[Old Guy]

Dc V Hb218

If HB 218 gives the right of any full time Police Officer the ability to carry full time, concealed, anywhere in the US of A, would not your credentials and badge be sufficient in this instance?

If that were me I would contact the specific locations via Email? Or phone, go as high as you can go, ask the question, copy the name if it is a positive, and go on down.

I know I would sooner you walked with a modern pistol in to my house, than leave it in a rental on the street.

Watch your Six.

 

[CAS700850]

I think Old Guy has it right. H.B. 218 should make it legal, but just cause I say so in Ohio doesn't mean that's the way they'll see it in D.C. Can't hurt to call and ask what the local P.D. thinks, or the individual museums.

I was in D.C. last September for a day. Stuck to the Mall, and saw nothing outside that would cause you a problem. Park police were very friendly, worked well with the crowds. Especially the mounted officers. Did well with kids.

AS for those of you who are yelling "it's not fair," you're right. However, what good does it do for all of you to chastise Protector for being able to legally do what you all are fighting for in the first place? In a perfect world, this would not be an issue. However, the world isn't perfect. The man has asked for some guidance. He deserves the decency of an honest answer, not abuse because he can do something others would like to be able to do in the first place.

 

[buzz_knox]

The man has asked for some guidance. He deserves the decency of an honest answer, not abuse because he can do something others have the right do but are denied.

Perhaps this is a better way of saying that.

As for abuse, there has been none and certainly none directed at Protector. There has been a certain amount of appropriate outrage that a certain group of citizens are allowed to exercise constitutional rights based on their association with the organization denying said rights to the majority.

 

[CAS700850]

Perhaps "abuse" is too strong a word, but the responses weren't exactly friendly. Well said, and sentiments we all share, but not exactly friendly.

 

[El Rojo]

I don't normally go off like this, but why should you be able to exercise a right the rest of us are denied? Simply because of a job of YOUR choosing? Get off your high horse and join the rest of us trying to change the laws, not circumvent them for our pleasure and everyone else be damned.

Thanks for sticking to the High Road. Nothing will convince a LEO to try and fight for all citizens’ rights more than insulting someone and making broad generalizations and assumptions. Seriously, 1911 Guy your post is uncalled for and seriously lacking of any common decency.

You anti-leo types need to get off of your own high horse and learn to accept the fact that LEOs have the ability to do things we don't and realize that the cops aren't necessarily the ones making these rules, it is the politicians. So go complain to a politician if you don't like the rules they make and try and be cordial to the LEOs you run into as we can use all the help we can muster. Or go off on your little rants and act all high and mighty yourself while alienating the people who have some discretion on the firearms laws they can nail you on. Brilliant.

 

[Lennyjoe]

I do know this much, dont carry a pocket knife with a blade over 2". I had a Gerber lock blade with a 3" blade and put it in the basket prior to going into the Botanical gardens to take a leak. Needless to say, I got detained for carrying an illegal concealed weapon. They detained me, called my info in and let me go but kept the knife.

Hell, I told them happy birthday for keeping the knife and voiced my displeasure on the difference between 2" limit in DC vs the 3" limit in the rest of the area outside of DC.