Kids With Toy Hand Guns - One Officer's Perspective

Caller: "There are 2 kids with black airsoft pistols and wearing fake police vest riding around the neighborhood. I'm concerned for their safety."

Arriving on scene, I instantly notice both young men wearing gun belts and both had black Glock 19  replica handguns in their holsters. One kid is wearing gym shorts and t-shirts, while the other kid is decked out in full police gear. He has a ballistic vest with "police" attached to the front, a replica taser, 2 sets of handcuffs, an asp (baton), a camera,  gloves, flashlight etc...

I exited my patrol car and within seconds before we engaged into any conversation, I had to check the authenticity of these handguns. I retrieved both handguns and cleared them. To my surprise these handguns looked exactly like my issued duty firearm.

After a few minutes of hearing the boys tell me what they were up to, the caller arrived on scene in an irate manner. He barged into our conversation and started taking pictures of the young men as well as the replica handguns. He then started to hurl insults at the boys and demand they be charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer.

I explained to the boys the concerns of the residents and how it looks in their eyes. Although I admired both youth for their interest in becoming police officers, I informed them about wearing the "police" insignias on the vest and how in some states that's against the law.

I went over and met the caller. He begin telling me how I should arrest them for impersonating police officers and arrest them for putting their hands on their airsoft guns. I attempted to explain to the caller the law and my approach to the situation. I even told him I plan on calling their parents and informing them of my encounter with the young men, before I release them to go home. He was upset because one of the young men made a rude comment to his daughter while they were in the neighborhood.

While leaving the scene he started yelling at the young men and warning them not to come around her anymore or there will be problems. As I'm walking back to the youth he continued to hurl insults at the young men. Calling them "bi**hes", "crybabies" etc..

The young black kid started crying and holding his head down. I immediately told him to lift his head up and listen. "If he planned on being a police officer, he better prepare for the insults and negative remarks from some civilians. As a black police officer, sometimes in our own community we get treated differently. Never the less, stay focused, goal oriented, stay true to yourself. I told him I look forward to working alongside him in 6 years. 

This was a teaching moment not just for the young men but for me as well and anyone reading this post. As a community we must stick together and grow together. 

Officer Kelvin Mattair is with the Gainesville Florida Police Department.

Cedar's Take:

I'm often surprised at how law enforcement is thrust into these parenting situations. People call about the lamest things. Beyond that I'm old school cops and robbers - cowboys and Indians - all part of my childhood. 

CMPD is paid to roll through my neighborhood every other day, two of the "secondary" guys blow by without as much as a finger hello. Then there's the other two who make a point to roll slow windows down and stop to talk to dog walkers and others. I appreciate their willingness to engage in mindless conversation with total strangers. 

I also appreciate Officer Mattair's willingness to share this story.

That's my take what's yours?