Seeker
Seeker of Truth
Some backstory:
Last week there was a search going on in my immediate area for a breaking and entering suspect, involving a MDSP helicopter circling for hours, and officers searching the park and woods near my home. During this time, I decided to put on my holster and open carry on my own property.
At one point I saw a guy I did not recognize go walking into the local park they'd been searching. He had his face partially covered by a hoodie (without having his arms in it at all, just draped down his back like a cape) which seemed a bit odd, so I called 911 to relay the info just in case. About 10 minutes later an officer came up the street, and I waved to him (I'd been outside talking to my neighbor) to flag him down and told him I was the one who called and described what I'd seen.
This is when things got confusing and I'd like others' insight into whether there is a local or county law that conflicts with the state law on carrying on your own property.
The officer told me the guy they were looking for was likely far away by that point, and didn't ask me more details, but just asked, "are you law enforcement?" I said, "no." At that point he pointed to my side and said, "your sidearm has to be in the house." I said, "I'm staying on my own property." He said, "That doesn't matter, if you're not law enforcement it still needs to stay in the house, unfortunately."
I wanted to talk with him more about the manhunt so I complied and put the gun in the safe and came back out, and didn't bring the issue up again. But
The state law that applies is here. According to that, carrying on your own real estate is perfectly legal (openly or concealed). Is there some local Laurel ordinance, or PG County law that might make this more restrictive? Or was the officer merely incorrect in his understanding of the law? Or was he perhaps simply uncomfortable having a person carry a gun without a badge and so was trying to mislead me? The fact that he said "unfortunately" makes me wonder if he's on our side but doesn't know the law..
Last week there was a search going on in my immediate area for a breaking and entering suspect, involving a MDSP helicopter circling for hours, and officers searching the park and woods near my home. During this time, I decided to put on my holster and open carry on my own property.
At one point I saw a guy I did not recognize go walking into the local park they'd been searching. He had his face partially covered by a hoodie (without having his arms in it at all, just draped down his back like a cape) which seemed a bit odd, so I called 911 to relay the info just in case. About 10 minutes later an officer came up the street, and I waved to him (I'd been outside talking to my neighbor) to flag him down and told him I was the one who called and described what I'd seen.
This is when things got confusing and I'd like others' insight into whether there is a local or county law that conflicts with the state law on carrying on your own property.
The officer told me the guy they were looking for was likely far away by that point, and didn't ask me more details, but just asked, "are you law enforcement?" I said, "no." At that point he pointed to my side and said, "your sidearm has to be in the house." I said, "I'm staying on my own property." He said, "That doesn't matter, if you're not law enforcement it still needs to stay in the house, unfortunately."
I wanted to talk with him more about the manhunt so I complied and put the gun in the safe and came back out, and didn't bring the issue up again. But
The state law that applies is here. According to that, carrying on your own real estate is perfectly legal (openly or concealed). Is there some local Laurel ordinance, or PG County law that might make this more restrictive? Or was the officer merely incorrect in his understanding of the law? Or was he perhaps simply uncomfortable having a person carry a gun without a badge and so was trying to mislead me? The fact that he said "unfortunately" makes me wonder if he's on our side but doesn't know the law..
