I was in state 10 years ago. It sucked then. Try it now that its over crowded with all the most top notch people. Your talk is big. Wander what its like when you know your fd and looking for a way out.
Op do what feels safe. On another note if they want you. They will get you. Law enforcement here where I am seems to be taking specisl interest in steroids now. I just try and be the smallest guy on radar. To me there seems to be plenty of quality gear to not hasle with manufacturing charges.