By Itsahak

Wil Dorsett, Team B.R.A.S.S., Virginia
The question is asked over, and over again by airsofters world wide. “What should we do if the Cops come around during a game?” Should we run, stand around and look at them, assume they’re a neighboring team coming late to the game, point our replica’s at them, do what they say, or just simply ignore them in the hopes that they’ll go away? It is an issue that has been debated at length over the Internet, at game fields, in coffee shops and eating shops after games, over the phone and face to face many times. And it is and should be considered a valid concern!

Let me take the time now to throw this in. You should never, ever, and I mean never play airsoft in an area that is not either a sanctioned field, a sanctioned Operation, or a private field that is either owned by one of the players or you have express written permission to play on. If you play in an area such as private land you do not have permission to be on, a school area, land that “no one” owns or in areas and games that are not sanctioned, you will probably face a local Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff or SWAT team. And you should, for those actions are not only illegal, and ultimately just not smart, but will lead to the end and outlawing of our chosen past time for all of us. Also, notifying the local authorities is a good idea, as it may help to diffuse these types of situations before they start. You should be able to find a contact person with in your local LEO arena that you can explain what you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and approximate date/times you’re doing it. Enough of the soap box, lets get on with it!

So you’re in-game, and for some reason the local Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) shows up. There are two response you will most likely face. The first one is the Uniformed LEO response. The second is the full out, SWAT dispatch where you suddenly find yourself surrounded by men in black uniforms, with real turn out gear pointing real weapons at you! That one really raises your hackles!!

In the first response, you’ll see several LEO patrol vehicles suddenly come flying into your staging area. They exit their vehicles with firearms bristling from their persons! You will see duty pistols, shotguns, and patrol rifles, and possibly a submachine gun or two. Next you find yourself staring down the barrel of said firearms and having commands shouted at you. As a responsible airsofter, your response here is critical. You’re confused, scared, a little upset that they think you’re a bad guy and in some cases downright indignant. . What do you do now? First off, do what the LEO says to do. Nothing makes a LEO more nervous than giving a lawful order and having it either ignored or scoffed at. And in our position as airsofter players, it is vital to our personal safety and the continuity of our sport. When you’re told to put your AEG down, do so. If it is hanging by a sling, lift it off by the sling, if at all possible. You’ll be ordered to the ground, and most likely placed in handcuffs. They start asking questions. These questions may vary, but in essence they are looking to ensure that the area is safe for them (as safe as an area can get for a LEO that is). Their questions will also be of the type to get the answers to WWWWWH. That means Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Who you are. What you are doing. When you do it. Where you’ve been, either there or anywhere else. Why your at that area. And How often you’ve done it. Answer all questions by the LEOs with honesty, with respect, and without being irritated, arrogant, or seeming like their a nuisance.

This is the time you will get to explain what your doing, how many of you are playing and approximate boundaries. If you have a team game interrupt code, and you’re by yourself or a significant portion of players have not yet been accounted for, this is the time to politely inform the LEO of such and ask if you can implement the code either audibly or over your com’s system. You may notice that the LEO are possibly a bit gruff, and may not appear to pleasant. Look at it from their point of view. They are surrounded by several people wearing military gear, and sporting some of those dreaded “assault rifles”. In today’s world of heightened terrorist awareness, thats enough to make anyone in that field a little nervous. If you’re legally occupying the playing field, the most you should get is a stern warning to be more careful and possibly a lecture on safety. If you’re not there legally, expect to have your replica’s confiscated and/or be arrested for trespassing.
In the second response, you’re usually unaware that anything is going on until you’re looking down the barrel of a real rifle, pistol, or various other firearms. The big issue here is that if it occurs in game, you may not be aware of the SWAT response and may treat it as another player. The obvious danger here is that you can inadvertently point your replica at a SWAT member who firmly believes he’s being threatened with a real firearm. Any LEO faced with what he believes is a firearm, by anyone of any gender, age, race, dress, or creed should and WILL respond with deadly force. Every year there are reports from the LEO community of kids/teenagers/college students being shot and killed because of this type of misunderstanding. And again, this is the kind of thing that will get our sport banned. So what do you do? The first thing you will encounter is someone who is shouting their identification (ie – Police, Sheriff’s Office, etc, etc). This will quickly be followed by a command to freeze, don’t move, stop, desist, you get the idea. Your next move is critical!! Not only to our sport, but to your very vitality and safety!! DO NOT MOVE!!! Stop all movement, and freeze in that spot. For the next 30 to 60 seconds, only about a 6 to 8 pound trigger pull separates you from this life and discovering if your beliefs on the afterlife are right! The next command series will instruct you to lay down your weapons. Again, if your replica is on a sling, use the sling to remove it from your person. Other wise, set one end on the ground and let if drop. Yes, let it drop! I know you spent $300 plus on your favorite AEG, but honestly, is it worth your life?! Keep your hands in plain sight and away from your gear and your body. Make no sudden moves. Do not attempt to explain your situation to the SWAT team. At this point their entire mindset is on controlling everyone there, controlling the scene, and their own safety. Your explaining will only add to the confusion and heighten the SWAT teams intensity and anxiety. You will most likely be commanded to prone out, or lie face down. Do so without complaining or hesitation. Remember to keep your hands in sight and away from your body and gear. You will most likely be handcuffed and your replicas taken. And no, it may not be done very gently. SWAT depends on speed, surprise, overwhelming tactics, and violence of action to pull off their missions. Don’t hold it against them, they are doing their job. You will probably be separated from the rest of your playing group, just as they are separated from everyone else. Then you can expect the same type of questions as in Response 1. Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Again, answer with honesty, with respect, and without being irritated, arrogant, or seeming like their a nuisance. If you’re there legally you should soon be released. You will however probably be advised to head home. This process may take some time, especially if the land owner is not playing with you. Even if you have it in writing (which is a smart thing to do) the SWAT team will want to verify that it is valid before releasing you. If your replicas are confiscated, do not complain. Go home and call an attorney. Does it suck? Sure it does, but your not helping your case by complaining, shouting, hollering, or downing the SWAT team.

Now lets briefly discus a third encounter type. This one is usually what happens when you’re in your car traveling somewhere and you’re going just a little bit over the speed limit. Now keep in mind, I personally believe you should transport your replica’s in a case and out of sight in the trunk. And again, I personally don’t let anyone search my vehicle with out stated probable cause or a search warrant. But if its in the passenger compartment of your car, and especially if its in plain view, it becomes fair game to search the car. Anyway, the next thing you know, you’re seeing flashing lights in your rear view mirror. Pull over as soon as safely possible. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Don’t grab for your wallet, or try to cover your replicas now. (and why are you transporting them out of a case and uncovered, and not in the trunk anyway!!) Do not get out of your car. Once the LEO is at your window, he will tell you to put down your window, get your operators license, whatever. If the window is up, do what he says and put it down. Once the window is down, inform the LEO that you have a replica firearm in the passenger compartment. Stress that it is a replica and not real! Especially if your underage. Do what he says from there on in. Whether its to exit the vehicle, sit in his vehicle (Virginia Troopers will have you sit in the front seat while they write your summons as part of their SOP’s, so its not too unusual.) Be sure to answer his questions respectfully and politely. Having an attitude is a great way to ensure that your written a summons! Once the LEO is finished either giving you a summons or a warning, go on about your business and enjoy your day!
It is possible that a lone LEO may pull up to your game and begin asking questions. Just ensure that you keep your hands in plain sight and away from your replica’s and gear. Answer all questions with respect, politeness, and honesty. This response is not likely to happen. Usually it will be one of the first two responses discussed above.

The key to coming out of an unpleasant meeting with LEO/SWAT is to keep your head!! To obey the commands given to you in a timely manner without back talking, cussing, or giving them an unnecessary hard time. Remember, they are only doing their job, and in more than one instance, your life may be on the line!
For questions, comments, or more info contact Itsahak at itsahak@brassairsoft.com