Stopped by the Cops. Mini's have their place.

[Talen]

I should move to another country? Which country would you suggest? Or were you being insincere?

So you support a totalitarian society where the police are all powerful and their actions may not be questioned? If so then it is you and not I who is in the wrong country. A country founded on the principles of being free from tyranny. Free from oppression. Free from invasive measures by government agents. If you want to live under a dictatorship where the ruling body may do whatever it wants and you have no voice, no say and no right to question that body. Then I submit that it is you and not I who should move to another country.

I hear russia is nice.

We have laws and you basically have 2 choices...move or change the laws the funny thing is you'll complain about it but like most people you'll never lift a finger to change the law.

You do have a voice and you do have a say...go change the law. Until then you can't complain about a police officer doing his sworn duty according to said law.

 

[SpasticMuse]

I'm humbled and accept that I've had 2 "involvements" with law enforcement; and have had several interactions like most people (speeding ticket or less). For the interactions, most were very good, but during a couple, it was obvious that the particular officers had a chip on their shoulder. I was still polite, even after I realized they really weren't going to be. The outcomes for all were still ok. (That Marion County Sheriff outside Indianapolis shouldn't have given me the ticket ; but it didn't turn into the "thing" that he seemed to be itching for. The other kat just ran everything he could and ended up letting me go.)

For the "involvements" [non-narcotic, non-violent]; from the start I knew I was in the wrong, and accepted these guys were just doing their jobs. I've worked with former officers before, and do now actually. Most of them are just normal guys doing a job same as the rest of us. Not all, but most. And being polite made the overall experience almost pleasant in a weird sort of way, beyond my being stupid to begin with. These were all outside urban areas, so that's a plus. And in my area, the police force is more diverse than the population. Though depending on who you talk to around here...

My first main point is that being polite(does not mean submission) goes a LOOOONG way in all walks of life. I do a lot of work in customer service, so I have the advantage of having years of experience with angry, irate, abusive people, and diffusing/redirecting them. Almost like a Tai Chi/Kung Fu deflection technique in manners. It's even been useful when I've been the irate one (free year of HBO from the cable jerks, anyone?)

The second point I'd like to throw in, is that my plan is to run (at least) two different e-cig rigs. One that looks completely different from an analogue (What the heck is that? Why the frak is it burning blue?), and one that looks very real (talking to a bloke, or preferably a dame, who's had a couple pints and the conversation will stay the same). I have no plans on making a statement by vaping within 99% of the boundaries otherwise banned to smoking. Unfortunately, I can't honestly say there isn't something to second-hand vape. When winter comes and it's 5*F out, I'll probably be discussing it with boss, but that's another thread .

Nothing is perfect, and when it comes to The World, that's an understatement. But treading lightly and politely can go a very long way to making it seem closer to what you want.

JLD

 

[Superstargoddess]

Oh boy, not this crap again! (Not the OP, but some of the comments afterwards) Seriously though, you have to admit that a PV can totally look like a drug device. Drugs of every type are pretty common everywhere now, so don't be shocked if this happens to you!

 

[Tori]

I am breaking my silence to comment on this. That cop was dead wrong. He saw you with something in your hands that he didn't recognize and therefore has the right to detain you question you and make you put your hands on your head? This is wrong. This is exactly the type of invasive intrusion that the police should not be allowed to do upon whim. Unless what you were doing is obviously a crime he should not be allowed to do this. We as americans are watching our personal freedoms disappear and what you have described is a prime example of it. This sickens me.

He had reasonable suspicion and therefore had every right to do what he did. He wasnt a jerk to the man, just doing his job. Sorry you seem so threatened by the police... they arent all out to get ya

 

[GrimmGreen]

just as an FYI to the people in this thread that think our "MODS" look like crack pipes..

This is a crackpipe

this is a puresmoker prodigy

maybe I'm just missing the family resemblance

 

[Talen]

Non of the mods look like crack pipes that's for sure but they definitely look like many devices used to smoke pot and that's more than enough cause for a police officer to take a second look.

 

[Zofryer]

At work they don't care if I vape at my desk however.... the boss made the comment "That one you are using there, that thing look illegal (GGT). I know it isn't, but it looks illegal. People will talk. You should use the one that looks like a black and decker screwdriver (Prodigy)".

And yeah, I could develop a hardcore "ef them" posture, but it would just be a pain in the .... Like any office, people go out of their way to find things to gossip and complain about. It's just not worth the hell. I had a friend of mine that would walk around the mall with a gun on his hip. Somebody would get freaked out and call the cops. The cops would show up, and there would be a huge scene, and a bunch of people would learn it's completely legal to walk around with a gun on your hip most places. It's just not a good idea if you hate a lot of negative attention.

 

[Mac]

This will be my last comment then I am resuming my silence. I stopped talking for a reason and now I myself have let an emotional reaction to a situation that has nothing to do with me, cause me to do just what I didn't want to. I have turned the OP's post (which was mentioning the advantage to mini's) into a political debate. Political debates on this site are fruitless wastes of time that just turn people who should be allies against each other so.

To the guy who told me to leave the country:
Sorry man, I should have never gotten mad and responded, you are entitled to your opinion and should be able to tell me to take a flying leap. That's the american way. I won't debate this.

To the person who thinks I feel threatened by the police: It was not my intent to come off as pro crime and anti police. You misunderstood my position and I will not clarify for the reasons posted above.

To the OP Sorry I derailed your post.

To the rest: We all know what these devices have done for us, our friends and our families. Let us not have other issues divide us from this common ground. We must be unified or we will surely lose this wonderful device that has freed us from our horrible addictions.

Again I am sorry to all of you and will now .....

best,
mac

 

[Nepenthy]

I palmed my janty stick the other night at dinner with friends I havent seen in awhile. One of my friends glanced at the stick and asked if I was going to share, with a sly grin on his face. I told him to get his own nicotine and I wasnt going to let anyone slobber on my new JS. Then an aha moment, he thought I was palming a pipe for herb! I also know that when im in public or even outside, I palm whatever device im using, to avoid either the glares or the plethora of questions, so I bet im looking a bit shady there too. Im probably also looking suspicious glancing from side to side, anticipating the next person who is going to ask me to try it. I also get a LOT of glares when stuck in traffic on my way into work, assuming ppl think Im puffin mj while drivin. Im waiting for a cop to pull me, especially since its their job to notice these things. Hopefully he/she will be cool about it, but I keep an e-cig brochure in my glove box for just such an occassion. My only adivise is to not puff on a pv right in front of an officer, these things are just too new, and youll almost definitely get pulled over. People dont even notice you arent using a lighter. Hopefully it will get better as these things become more mainstream, which seems to be ramping up pretty quickly.

 

[Superstargoddess]

Non of the mods look like crack pipes that's for sure but they definitely look like many devices used to smoke pot and that's more than enough cause for a police officer to take a second look.

Yeah, I remember years ago in the hippie stores they had a marijuana device that looked just like a cigarette and I guess you put some marijuana in the end of it. These can look like those.

Mac- It's ok, we love you.

 

[Vaponator]

A cop who see's something that looks suspicious does have the right to stop/detain and question you. He did not have the right to stick his hand in your pocket before asking you any questions.

This constitutes a illegal search and is a violation of your civil rights.

If this ever happens, let it ride and file a formal complaint afterwards. Always comply with the officer in question, contact a lawyer afterwards if you feel it neccasary. As a matter of fact the more people who stand up for their right the less they will get trampled on.

Not waiving a right such as saying no to a search is not a admissision of guilt and you can't be searched for not waiving those inherent rights.

I have my attorney's card in my wallet and whenever confronted I hand it to the cop with the reverse end up. It has this on the back.

I know my rights

My lawyer has told me not to talk to anyone about what may be a case against me, not to answer any questions and not to reply to accusations. I do not agree to perform any tests of any kind and do not give my consent for you to search me,my car, my home, or any of my property. It is not that I am guilty or intend to obstruct a police investigation; I simply will not waive any of my constitutional rights without my lawyer present. Call him.

Never Ever waive your rights. Always comply with a officer but never waive anything!

 

[SLDS181]

Yeah, I remember years ago in the hippie stores they had a marijuana device that looked just like a cigarette and I guess you put some marijuana in the end of it. These can look like those.

Mac- It's ok, we love you.

Its called a one-hitter (which goes in, believe it or not.... a dugout) - and they are definitely still around.

They look like a metal version of a cigarette.... so yeah, they do look similar to PV's.

 

[BigJimW]

just as an FYI to the people in this thread that think our "MODS" look like crack pipes..

This is a crackpipe

So this is where my crack pipe went. I want it back!

 

[Superstargoddess]

Its called a one-hitter (which goes in, believe it or not.... a dugout) - and they are definitely still around.

They look like a metal version of a cigarette.... so yeah, they do look similar to PV's.

Ah yeah, that's the thing right there. I remember seeing those and thinking how weird that was.

Vaponator- Actually, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test if you are under suspicion of DUI, I believe that in most states you can be arrested on the spot and taken to the station for that. So some things it is in your best interest to do, especially if you are innocent.

 

[Michele]

I am breaking my silence to comment on this. That cop was dead wrong. He saw you with something in your hands that he didn't recognize and therefore has the right to detain you question you and make you put your hands on your head? This is wrong. This is exactly the type of invasive intrusion that the police should not be allowed to do upon whim. Unless what you were doing is obviously a crime he should not be allowed to do this. We as americans are watching our personal freedoms disappear and what you have described is a prime example of it. This sickens me.

Devils Advocate here: So as technology advances faster than most can keep up the authorities should not be proactive and find out what "that thing" was? I mean, maybe the cop did think it was "something to use drugs with". The putting the hands on the head part as the OP said is standard operating procedure for the police. This country we live in is not your America of 1950. There is crazy violence out there. The OP is fine. He wasn't physically hurt. He was questioned and now that particular police officer will spread the word in his daily report. As more authority figures learn about e-cigs you'll see less and less of this. But to start off...how else are they supposed to "behave"?

EDIT: Sorry, I should have finished reading this thread before I posted. My comments are a little belated.

 

[SmokinScott]

I wouldn't blame a cop if he did what Jim describes. I expect it very well may happen to me one day, and I'm ok with that. I've gotten used to explaining it to people.

 

[TnA]

LOL...I had so many different comments I wanted to make in this thread...but I take too long to type!

Jim...was just thinking you should try and get some "higher-classed" clientele so that you can start staying at Hiltons instead of Best Westerns! Less cops at those hotels and the managers have awesome daily Happy Hour with tons of free food!

But on a serious note, I would agree with Jim's original intent. While I love my mods to death, I tend to grab up my factory e-cigs when I step out so that I don't create too much consternation and concern.

 

[Vaponator]

Ah yeah, that's the thing right there. I remember seeing those and thinking how weird that was.

Vaponator- Actually, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test if you are under suspicion of DUI, I believe that in most states you can be arrested on the spot and taken to the station for that. So some things it is in your best interest to do, especially if you are innocent.

Not in Illinois goddess. Actually they have to Place you under arrest for Suspicion of DUI before they can ask for a breathalyzer. It is not Illegal to refuse in Illinois. However a refusal results in a automatic suspension in 30 days time. Although if you do blow its a suspension as well so it's lose lose unless you have a good attorney. ( I think unless the laws have changed its a 90 suspension for first offense if you blow over and 6 months for refusal if you are convicted)


Regardless of that never ever waive your rights, especially if you have done nothing wrong. I believe in the states that require you to undergo a test you have to sign a waiver when you get your Drivers license.

 

[Bruce H]

I was at the Crue fest this weekend and got some pretty odd looks from security with my 901. Of course I wasn't walking around just hitting, I was be as inconspicuous as I could.

I just try to keep it on the dl as much as possible, if for no other reason to curb my own addiction as walking another twenty feet deters me a little.

It was funny though, Motley Crue takes the stage around ten and people started lighting up- many things (God it smelled good in there). So I too took a few hits off my 901 and when a security lady came over I took it and stuck it against my forehead. She laughed and asked what it was, like 100 other people did that day.

I met one guy who was just starting to show sign of enphysema, poor guy. I let him take a few drags and the look he gave me, well, I'll never forget it. I did way more explaining than I set out for that day.

And even though it rained all day my e-cig just kept going. I did use 3 batts that day so. . .

Mac, dude, I know where you're coming from. Careful though, you're sentiment can easily be misconstrued. I understand, of course many people don't follow the Drug War and all the casualties that come out of it and don't put two and two together.
Just my two cents. . .

 

[andybside]

Oh yeah, I've seen plenty of those little weed one hitters. Looks exactly like my KR808d-1 I have sitting in my kitchen. I see nothing wrong with what happened and if you have nothing to hide, what's the big deal. It's not like he was assaulted. Big whoop. So he had his hands on his head. Boy, that must have scarred him for life. Sure, there are some police who are shady, but if you're doing nothing wrong, most of the time they are very reasonable people. And oh yeah, this might come as a shocker to a few of you but they are not robots. They are HUMAN! So unless you have never made a mistake before in your life, don't be so quick to judge someone else cuz in the words of Bob Marley, "Judge not", "Cuz someone else is judging you".