All this talk of carrying knives for self-defense is an entirely valid topic for discussion. One has the right, and arguably the responsibility, to fight the good fight against the human predators called "goblins" by well-known shootist and self-defense pundit, Jeff Cooper.

Most of us are fortunate that in our states we have the right, with some limitations, to carry knives, and with concealed carry permits, to carry handguns. There are a small number of states where their residents do not enjoy such rights. To advertise that you carry a gun or a folder without state sanction will buy you a one-way ticket to jail, indictment, and the financial ruin that comes with it. Goblins pay little attention to such ill-advised laws. If you have to go amongst them, then you have a problem.

Police officers have a tough job. Day after day, they have to make split-second decisions whether the people they come in contact with are friend or foe. How do they do that? I have never been to a police academy, but I can tell you what I know. For nearly four years I was a newspaper reporter with an emphasis on criminal cases. Consequently I spent a large amount of time around sheriff’s deputies, state fire marshals, West Virginia State Troopers, and city cops. These folks have what one deputy called "shithead radar. ”They can tell by a number of factors whether you are a good guy just trying to get down the road, or someone who is looking for trouble. This is determined by a couple of methods, which any street savvy person needs to know.

Dress

If you are reading the articles on this website, you are by nature a prepared and tactical person. You are likely in a constant state of condition yellow, especially since September 11. Think back to the last time you went shopping. Watching the people who walk the malls makes you wonder: “That guy looks a little shifty, what’s he up to?” Believe me, cops think like that, only compounded by five. This person may be a nice guy, but due to the fact that he dresses in gang colors, or wears battle dress utilities and a T-shirt with a confederate flag displayed on the front, he may well lock cop radar on him like a Phoenix Missile. This is what profiling really is. It may not be fair, but that’s the way it is. Cops pay attention to those who, statistically speaking, are most likely to commit criminal offenses. For their part, it makes perfect sense.

Now, some of us are counterculture types. When I was 19 and 20 years old, I wore a trench coat and a French braid ponytail, just like Dick Marcinko. I thought myself a bad ass. I carried a balisong and a Remington-Rand 1911 45 auto. By the grace of God and some incredibly good luck, I remained alive and out of state custody until I gained some common sense. These days, I doubt I could have slipped by under the radar. This week, I’ve been carrying a Glock 26, a Protech automatic knife, and a Spyderco Police Model. They're all legal for me, obviously, but still, I don’t need to be singled out by a cop. Thus, I dress like a normal guy. I wear jeans, a polo shirt, a leather jacket, and Hush Puppies. I blend in.

Just Be Nice

Massad Ayoob pointed out some years ago that armed citizens have a responsibility to take guff that unarmed people do not. You have to ignore it when people flip you off or try to goad you into a confrontation. This is especially true for people who are carrying illegally. You must be the guy in the crowd that no one notices and no one could describe. You can’t drive through the parking lot at Wal-Mart blasting your stereo and expect the cops not to hassle you. The same is true for drinking. If you want to go out and have a few beers with your friends after work, then leave your weapons at home. In fact, do what I do: invite your buddies to the house to drink there. Even better yet, be the designated driver.

Many have wondered, "What do I do if I get pulled over for running a stop sign, or some other minor traffic offense?" In many states, you are required by law to tell the officer that you have a legally concealed weapon. In fact, in some states, the officer knows it when he runs your license. Now, what if your toys aren’t exactly legal? If the officer decides to invade your personal space, he will probably find them. The trick is, don’t give him a reason. All responses should be "yes sir, no sir.” Don’t give him or her an attitude, and they probably won’t hassle you. Finally, make sure you have all your tickets taken care of, as well as a current car tag and operators' papers. The same is true for car insurance. If you don’t, then don’t be surprised if the police officer finds out. Being Joe Good Citizen is the best way to slide by. If the officer mouths off to you, calls you a name, or insults your mother, you cannot give him an attitude. My friends, I’ve seen it and heard it over and over, especially with state troopers. If you give them a hard time they will mess with you. You might end up waking up the next morning in an orange jumpsuit.

If for no other reason, one should keep under the radar to avoid the financial strains one will face if arrested. Bail for carrying a concealed weapon in West Virginia is a $1,000 minimum. If a cop takes you to jail, the police are likely to pile on the charges, which makes it easier for them to get a conviction and harder for you to skate out of it. 

The hassle isn’t worth it.

Be aware and slide through the masses like a fish though water.