Posted by EsseXploreR Well people have been killed for having nothing in their hands, so yeah I don't think it's wild to consider the possibility. Also, nobody here has ever had a light shined in their face when they're in the dark? It's likely a pistol grip flashlight, but it could also be a rail mounted light on a sidearm. If all they see is the grip and the light in their face in a high stress situation they could easily justify that at trial. The point wasn't that "your flashlight looks just like a handgun". My point was that I wouldn't carry one on the off chance it could be confused as one. And that there are better options.
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Exactly. Mistakes happen even in daylight.
They aren't going to sit there and rehash it either. Once cops think they got a perp with a gun their demeanor and response changes.
Everyone wants to go home, intact, at the end of their shift...
Even when approaching cops I know, I keep my hands in plain sight and never blind side them when approaching them. If I don't know them I keep my hands where they can see them at all times and ask/tell before going for ID, etc.
They recognize and appreciate these gestures.
A relaxed LEO is a lot easier to deal with and more likely to cut you slack... and never call them 'boss'