Detroit's Top Cop- Department Weapon Confiscated

[Sigster]

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/2563974/detail.html

What a putz. But read the article carefully- note that he says he "always declares the gun when he carries on boared..."

What?? How does a desk cop get to carry at all on board a plane??

Detroit's top cop had his gun confiscated at Detroit's Metropolitan Airport Saturday before boarding a flight for Philadelphia.

Detroit Police Chief Jerry Oliver (pictured, left) was boarding a plane when screeners found a loaded gun in his checked luggage Saturday. Metro Airport officials told Local 4 it happened at 1 p.m.

Passengers carrying a gun in their luggage are expected to fill out paperwork. Oliver said it was an oversight and told Local 4 he didn't realize he had to check a weapon if it was secured in checked luggage.

The Transportation Safety Administration found the loaded weapon, confiscated it and then turned it over to airport police, the station reported. Oliver was paged and asked if it was his weapon, according to Local 4. He said it was and was told he needed to sign some papers. According to reports, Oliver said he was worried about missing his flight, so he left the gun behind, Local 4 reported. He was allowed to continue on his flight to Philadelphia.

Local 4 reported that Oliver did not follow the proper procedures for carrying a gun on an aircraft. According to the TSA, you are allowed to check weapons, but they must be declared and the ammunition separated from the gun.

Oliver could face a fine of up to $1,000 and that decision is up to TSA regulators.

"It was just an oversight on my part…not knowing that you have to go fill out paperwork when you carry a gun through in your luggage that you are checking... Especially when it is in a secured place... Just one of those things," Oliver said.

Oliver said he always declares the weapon when he carries it on board of the plane.

Critics are saying that the chief should have known better and he should be held accountable.

"It's incredible that this happened, that the chief of police failed to declare a gun in his luggage," said Dave Malhalad, a Detroit police officer. "He's ultimately responsible. If he's going to be fair, which he hasn't been to Detroit police officers, he should suspend himself,"

There is no word yet on if Oliver will be punished or fined.

Additional Information

TSA Statement On Carrying Weapons On Aircraft

Subject to state and local restrictions on transporting firearms, you may still transport a firearm in your checked baggage. However, you should first check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees that apply. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to the airline at check-in.

Only you, the passenger, may have the key or combination. Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm as long as it is not loaded in the firearm.

Small arms ammunition must be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container, securely packed in fiber wood or metal boxes, or placed in other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.

[lee]

I have read all the news I've found on this incident and now believe That Chief Oliver is lying and fast as he can talk. He said it was not loaded---the TSA says it was loaded. He said he did not know he had to fill out paperwork and declare the weapon. Yeah , right ! I've been transporting pistols on planes for at least 10 years and the law has not changed. The law did not change after Sept 11, 2001-------------same law. Last transported to and from Alaska in August. There must have been at least 50 firearms on my flight--------people are part of the food chain in Alaska and with increasing regularity the bears and moose are winning. What this incident shows to me is that Mr. Oliver has a mindset of royalty and believes that the rules don't apply to him. This is a problem that is rampant in government today. For example, how many Detroit Cops do see not wearing seat belts but giving out tickets to those who don't. Hopefully he will be fined and possible misdemeanor conviction. He should also be put on the TSA watch list and get special "attention" each time he flies. I don't know if he is anti 2nd. amend or anti ccw, but if he is we should remind him often of his indiscretion and disreguard for long established laws :shock: :shock: :shock:

[Kimber45]

All I know is that I'm flying to Florida next week and if I "forget" to decalre my revolver I bet they won't hold it for me till I get back. In fact, I bet I'd miss my flight!

[Ken P]

from the reports I heard it was a .22

I can't believe he'd baother to take a .22

Is this his duty gun?

[Sigster]

It's now being reported that it was .25 auto and was NOT registered...

[CS40]

What a putz. But read the article carefully- note that he says he "always declares the gun when he carries on boared..."

What?? How does a desk cop get to carry at all on board a plane??


He doesn't, that is the writer of the article or Jerry Oliver using poor wording.

[lee]

Just Heard Oliver on the radio trying to CYA but all he is doing is getting deeper in the do do. H e now says that his 25 ACP auto wasn't loaded because the bullets were in the clip but not one in the barrel. Well Jerry how many people are we going to have to let out of jail due to your new intrepretation of the law.? Try telling the LEO or judge that the gun you were transporting in the car was unloaded because you didn't have a bullet in the barrel. If you didn't have a ccw you'd be charged with carrying a concealed weapon illegally!!!!! and many people have been charged with such a charge. This guy is definetly showing us his great knowledge on such things. Keep talking Jerry , you're very entertaining. :shock: :shock: :roll:

[Red Sector A]

Seems alot of police officers love to claim ignorance of the law as an excuse. I remember not too long ago an LEO was caught trying to enter Canada with a loaded gun on him ... he claimed he didnt know it was wrong.

Now Oliver tries the same thing? He didnt know what he was doing is wrong?

Come on!!!! .. we cant get away with ignorance of the law .. whether it is gun laws or otherwise ... this is total BS .. he should pay the penalty like anyone else. LEOs are bound by the laws just like anyone else. End of story.

[BHP]

[quote="Red Sector A"]Seems alot of police officers love to claim ignorance of the law as an excuse. I remember not too long ago an LEO was caught trying to enter Canada with a loaded gun on him ... he claimed he didnt know it was wrong.


I recall a story posted on this board form ealier this year in which a DPD Officer attempted to enter Canada with his pistol; however, his car was selected for a search. While the customs officer directed to him to pull over, he attempted to hide the firearm (I beleive it was a Glock) under the seat of his car, at which point the pistol discharged and injured the individual.

[Red Sector A]

Oh this is great... just saw this story on Channel 7 news at 10pm.. they said that Oliver didnt know about a NEW change in the law that required all guns to be checked if in your luggage.

Man.. when did this change? I thought it had been around for 10 years or so... I think I will write to Channel 7 and let them know to check this out... Oliver and the Mayor just got up there and lied.. but what should we expect.

Dont expect the media to do anything to correct this obvious oversight in their report... but hey let them know what I think!

[Red Sector A]

Wrote a nice letter this morning to Frank Turner on Channel... I explained that the law has been around for years and isnt New ... and that Oliver was covering up crime.

This evening at 6 they had an additional story.. it said the same thing I wrote .. they investigated it and the airline told them that the law hadnt changed since the early 80s .. and then they said that Oliver isnt even a certified LEO in Michigan.... ???? He is still going through the process they said.

Well he carried a loaded gun.. clip loaded in the gun without one in the chamber.. like that is a difference ... in his luggage.... without being a LEO and without a CCW .. they said he technically wasnt breaking the law with it in his luggage since he was only transporting it ... with bullets in the gun? ~shakes head~ I still say he will get off with just a slap on the wrist!

[lee]

I don't believe you will see any or little followup by the major newspapers because a large Police Dept. holds a big big trump card to keep news agencies in line. I t works this way. Large Police depts have a news dept that releases news or press releases on ongoing activities. Simply put , if the News agencies don't "behave" they can hold back the releases and force the press to file FOIA---freedom of information act --briefs that cost $$$ and time. Its a delicate balance the Police , Military, GAO, in fact any government agency and the Press play. The Press do not have the resources to investigate or pay FOIA briefs to collect the data they need. Many times the press simply regurgitate what they are handed out by the government agencies. What is scary and disappointing is not that Police Chief Oliver broke the law but his blatant lying and rationalizing about it . Makes you wonder what else is he lying about . I would respect him if he said he simply blew it ---was in a hurry and thought he could simply sneek by but thats not what we got did we!!! :shock: :shock:

[mitommy]

On the way to work this AM, I heard that Oliver is not a sworn police officer. Did anyone else see or hear something on this?

If that is the case does, he need a CPL to carry every day?

I wonder how long it will take to process his prints & application.

[G22]

On the way to work this AM, I heard that Oliver is not a sworn police officer. Did anyone else see or hear something on this?

He is not a sworn officer.

If that is the case does, he need a CPL to carry every day?

Yes, & he dosent have one.

Also, a .22 cal is not approved for carry on or off duty. the minimum cal. is .38.

Also the .22 is registered out of state. AM radio claims he said "I didnt know I needed to register it here"!!!!

So what we have is a Chief of Police who is not even a sworn officer, trying to "smuggle" a loaded weapon through an airport, Who also has no CPL which is required of all people who are not sworn officers & carry concealed, With a gun that is not even registered in Michigan, And not approved for carry on or off duty. :shock:

It seems that ignorance of the law knows no bounds for the Chief of Police.

He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, like you or I would be in this situation. He didnt know...my a$$...

So what do you think will be done to this pillar of society who is so ignorant of the laws that he has NOT been sworn to uphold????

A slap on the wrist...?...Time will tell.

[enfield]

He'll get, at most, a slap on the wrist. He is, after all, more equal than the other critters in the farmyard.

[45 acp]

So if this is in fact true

1- Chief of Police who is not even a sworn officer, trying to "smuggle" a loaded weapon through an airport, Who also has no CPL which is required of all people who are not sworn officers & carry concealed.

2-a gun that is not even registered in Michigan

Now correct me if I am wrong but, didnt Michael E. Duggan
Prosecutor of Wayne County Say about a year or so ago that he would prosecute all gun crimes in Wayne County to the fullist extent of the law?

I think we should fill his voice mail and fax machine with messages that he prosecute Oliver to the fullest extent of the law.
Here is contact info.

Michael E. Duggan
Prosecutor of Wayne County

1200 Frank Murphy Hall of Justice
1441 St. Antoine
Detroit, 48226

phone: (313) 224-5777

Email here

http://www.waynecounty.com/default_res.htm
fax: (313) 224-0974

FIREARMS LAWS OF MICHIGAN — STATUTES


Failure to have pistol inspected; applicability; penalty.
--- is guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

(2) A person shall not carry a pistol concealed on or about his or her person, or, whether concealed or otherwise, in a
vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business, or on other land possessed
by the person, without a license to carry the pistol as provided by law and if licensed, shall not carry the pistol in a place or
manner inconsistent with any restrictions upon such license.
(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or by a
fine of not more than $2,500.00.

[razzsr]

Makes you wonder what else is he lying about ???????
No CPL, maybe he can't get one. Something about hitting
your MATE.(wife)
The LAW who do'nt Know The Laws.
You or I would LOSE our JOB.
The Man should be FIRED.

[Executioner]

It seems that the chief is just trying to use his position to influence the outcome. The problem is that if the 'other' powers that be in Detroit try to enforce the law, they will pay dearly for the experience.

As the chief law enforcement officer (wow, what an idiot) for Detroit he can cause an awful lot of trouble for anyone that crosses him. Unfortunately the problem is that the chief WON'T accept the blame for being especially stupid that day.

There are a lot of very good officers on the Detroit force that will be painted with the same brush of 'I'm realy stupid' paint that the chief used on his trip. It is a shame that he says 'be an example of all that is good in Detroit' to his officers and the chief doesn't understand the concept of leading by example. The idea is shine, not to tarnish the image of the police force.

I used to work with many of these men and women 20 years ago, I feel nothing but sorrow for the leadership that they are expected to follow.

The mayor should fire him for many things but I don't think that stupidity is a chargable offense in Detroit!

[goldwing2000]

The Man should be FIRED.

At the very least. Prosecuted to the fullest would be more like it. :rant:

[Autumnlovr]

The mayor should fire him for many things but I don't think that stupidity is a chargable offense in Detroit!

:wtf:

What the hey....you can get fired in Sterling Heights for lying.....and I'm not sure if that's against the law!

[cliffd]

I heard him say in one interview, "I have carried a gun for years." There has always been speculation as to whether he carried or not. I never understood why anyone would question that until now. It is clearly obvious that he has been carrying illegally all along. If Duggan is unwilling to do something, then I think the DOJ should add this to their list of problems that need to be dealt with over at the PD.

[G22]

My Fax to Mr. Duggan:

Mr. Duggan,
My name is Kevin xxxxxxx. I am the average CPL holder and am writing you concerning the event that took place with Police Chief Jerry Oliver and the loaded .22 caliber handgun found undeclared in his luggage at the airport. First I would like to remind you of a statement you made a year or so ago that you “will prosecute all gun crimes in Wayne County to the fullest extent of the law”. I find it very unnerving to think that he (Mr. Oliver) has had this un-registered pistol in his possession, which he has probably carried concealed without a CPL, or being a sworn officer. I have read the law concerning these types of incidences, as I am sure you have also done, so I will not include the excerpt. I am writing this letter in the hopes that you would treat this matter as you would if I were the person who had tried to smuggle a non-registered, un-declared, fully loaded weapon on board an airplane, and then claimed ignorance of the law when caught. That is all. The eyes of everyone in Michigan who hold a CPL and many others are upon you, and the people who elected you to your position are counting an you to do the right thing, and not treat this in a 1st class citizen / 2nd class citizen manor.

There is no need to respond to this Fax, as the outcome will speak volumes to the law-abiding voters and CPL holders of Michigan and Wayne County. We are counting on you. please don’t disappoint us.
Thank you for your time in this matter.

Sincerely,
Kevin XXXXXXX

I seriously doubt this will do any good at all, but what the heck.

[45 acp]

Thanks G22 now that Duggan has heard from two of us we can be ignored but if 716 registered users on this board swamp his fax and e-mail he may take some notice and do some thing.
I tried to call in to Michigan talk raido this morning to get listners from all over the state to contact Duggan but I did not get a chance I will try tommorrow again.
We have to spend hundreds and ask permission to carry and we all have to get our hand guns safety inspected or face the penalty why should Oliver be different?

[Gr8 Scout]

I like the letter. I'll try and do something along those lines myself.

Unreal... I've been following this story since it broke, in the Detroit papers and on WJR radio. The Chief of Police of Detroit, knows less about gun laws, concealed carry, flying with a firearm, and safety, than the greenest newbie on this forum. And he packs a gun that his department does not allow his officers to carry, on or off duty.

And he isn't even a sworn in police officer? Can any of you law enforcement officers tell me how he ever got his job? I read today in the of the Detroit papers that it is not a requirement. I'm amazed.

I've enjoyed being on your site, guys. I'll look into becoming a real (dues paying, card-carrying) member.

[bluethunder]

Here is a copy of the letter I sent to Duggan:
Mr.Dugan,
I'm writing you because of the incident with Chief Oliver.I,as a law abiding citizen and CPL(concealed pistol license) holder,I know what kind of trouble I would of been in if I had "forgot to declare" a weapon at airline check-in. I doubt that I would be able to tell the TSA to "hold onto it till I get back." Ignorance of the law is no excuse! Especially coming from the CLEO of Detroit.How can he expect to enforce the law,if as he says,he doesn't know it. I remember you saying that you were going to prosecute illegal weapon arrests to "the fullest extent of the law."I hope that you will do the same for Mr. Oliver. He deserves no special treatment,as I understand it,he's not even a sworn police officer.He has no more right to carry a illegal firearm than I do.He is not special. I,as well as tens of thousands of law abiding CPL holders in Michigan,that will be watching this very carefully. I hope you make the right decision.
Thank you for your time,
Kent Copenhaver


Let's see what happens,huh?

[Sigster]

Just saw Detroit's "Hip Hop" mayor say that he didn't think the chief needed to be charged with a crime.

Wish that was an option for us if we were caught with an unregistered handgun.

[Red Sector A]

Anyone have Duggan's fax or email handy? I feel the muse coming on and I need to write.

[Ken P]

Anyone have Duggan's fax or email handy? I feel the muse coming on and I need to write.

check the first page of this thread for a post by 45acp