Chief K Relects on a Cop's Job

Randolph police received a report last Friday that a juvenile under 16 was carrying a handgun, and a rumor that the gun had been given to him by his parents.

Police contacted the teen's mother, who said she had not and never would give her son a gun. She asked RPD to find him and gave permission to have him searched.

Chief Krakowiecki located the teen at 2:30 p.m. and spoke with him, explaining the situation. The teen was patted down and no weapon was located.

The chief this week commended the teen and his friend for "both acting like gentlemen" during that encounter.

"There are times when safety is more important than the violation of civil rights," the chief reflected afterwards. "A violation is still a violation, but sometimes public caretaking has to step forward," he said. "I'd rather be safe than sorry. I can apologize for patting down your kid, but I don't want to have to say, 'Sorry I didn't, and your son and daughter and five other kids were killed.'"

Krakowiecki noted that being a cop is one of those jobs that requires making decisions: "Sometimes you're right, and sometimes you're wrong- and sometimes you're right to be wrong."

"I found I'd rather look dumb now, and stupid-looking, than really dumb and stupid-looking later," he added.

For the record, the Krakowiecki noted that Vermont law forbids any child under 16 to carry a pistol or revolver "without the consent of a parent." There are no restrictions for those 16 and older. "That's crazy," he observed.