I hear ya, brother!
I'd expect that you would be in a unique position for insight into the perceptions of the uneducated regarding the various forms of PVs. As a narcotics officer, what would be the best and fastest way for someone who was using a PV explain/prove to you that it is not anything illegal?
I have to give a prerequisite notice that anything I say is based on past experience and does not represent the formal position or policies of any other officer or law enforcement agency. Also bear in mind that the Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable or unlawful search and seizure is interpreted by courts of competent jurisdiction. In laymans language, what will be considered by the courts as lawful action on the part of an officer will vary from state to state in the US. Shouldn't be that way but it is.
Except in the most unusual circumstances, if you are approached by a cop, it wont be a narcotics officer. It is usually going to be a uniformed officer which means that they should be familiar with the laws they enforce over the whole spectrum and not just specific to one type of offense. Since most humans can't be perfectly versed in all laws and statutes, a lot depends on the individual officer you are dealing with.
Generically, while it is
not a requirement to submit to a search without cause, as it pertains to PV's, I would simply tell them that it is an electronic cigarette and offer to let he or she to look at it. I also keep a few e-cig vendors busines cards in my pocket to offer that as well. If a simple look at the device doesn't satisfy, show them that the unit is a battery and a coil device. Most common would be any of the narcotics that require some combustion (fire) to use. Unless you are dealing with a real tool, most any rational person will see that isn't what is taking place with your PV if they look at it.
In addition to appearances, other so called "reasonable suspicion" to stop a citizen and do all this includes the use of smell. I am not familiar with any juice that smells similar to say weed being burned. Lastly, while technology changes almost daily, if the officer has any required training to become a basic street cop, they will know that the "kick" from weed is from the ... content. There are no real methods to successfully extract ... and retain just that component for use.
Finally, if you are dealing with a really slow (being polite here) person, none of the above may suffice. In that case, although it is not a lawful requirement for you to do so, I would be inclined to cooperate with them even if they are silly enough to want to "confiscate" any liquids or the like. I didn't survive for 27 years by being a tool to the public but some are in uniform. Ask for a receipt for anything taken or ask if they can field test it.
None of this passive behavior in response to an uninformed officer is required by law. It has simply been my experience that discretion is the better part of valor many times. I had rather be overly accomodating and complain later to the agency officials than to give any guy with a 10 pound badge an excuse to really mess with my day.
Again, this is only
one retired cop's opinions based on experience! Sorry for the wall of text but as you can see, there is no standard answer. Just as we all are different vapers with different habits and temperments, officers are the same. They simply have been entrusted to be caretakers of the law. Just use good judgement if approached and barring the rare individual that shouldn't have that public trust, a simple explanation or demonstration of the device will suffice.
