Just to be clear, I do know of what I speak.
The most common encounter between police and civilians is a traffic stop. They never know who they're "lighting up". More than a few criminals/suspects have been collared in a "routine" stop.
They don't know who you are. If they see it, you might get dragged out of your vehicle by a nervous cop if you start spouting off some right-wing, pro-2A, "I know my rights!" type talk.
All that are legally armed are on the same team.
Be cool and they will usually reciprocate.
Please allow me to dispel your cheery viewpoint, though it does pain me to do so. I was a police officer for three years in a decent sized metro department. I also did some undercover work for a few other departments, both large and small. The reason that I am no longer a police officer is because I really could not stand seeing the daily trampling of the Bill of Rights that I hold so dear.
If you really believe that police officers believe that they are "on the same team" as those of us who legally carry, you are grossly mistaken. While there are undoubtedly officers who know and believe in Bill of Rights (I was one of them), the overwhelming majority believe that "civilians" (they mistakenly believe themselves otherwise) should not be running around with firearms. For most police officers, the gun is not a tool to be used for defense, but a symbol of power. Make no mistake:
They do not like citizens legally carrying their greatest symbol of power.
I was told by an attorney years ago that if there is any question about it to inform the officer.
"Officer, I just want you to know that there is a gun at so-and-so and I have no intention on using it or anything else. Now how do you want me to handle it?"
I know this will irk the stuffings out of some people but the comments about having to notify someone that we are not breaking the law is BS. We are notifying them so we won't get shot due to a misunderstanding. Sometimes I feel like there is something wrong with me as I have never been stopped just so unlike it seems most people are everyday from the posts on the Internet.
If a LEO stops you he already considers you to be a lawbreaker/criminal so this stuff about an innocent party is already out the door. It can either go downhill quickly from ther by acting like a criminal or better by cooperating and acting like the law abiding citizen that you claim you are. The time to argue your 2A rights is not beside the road during a traffic stop but later in court.
If you are pulled over for a traffic citation, then bringing firearms into the conversation is NOT a good idea. That said, being polite, even when asserting your rights, is definitely the right strategy. For me, I turn on the interior light if it is dark, place both hands on the wheel, and I keep my registration and insurance on the visor so that I do not have to root around in the glove compartment. I never answer questions that might incriminate me in any way (Do you know why I am pulling you over?). I never make exculpatory statements. I never, never lie to an officer, but I also know what information I am required to give (license, registration, and proof of insurance). I deny consent for any search of my person or my property (i.e. car). Granted, I will probably receive a citation if I was speeding or committing some other infraction, but I will have retained my rights.
The only time that I would volunteer that I had a firearm is if I was told to exit the vehicle, and they had better have a damned good reason for the request. Just to make it crystal clear:
Police officers are not, and have no wish to be, your "buddy". Police have little interest in being "cool" with you. Unless you are someone that they find especially attractive for some reason, you are probably going to receive a ticket.
I find myself posting this same video every few months. Please watch it. It is amusing, incredibly informative, and especially cogent to this discussion. If you carry a firearm, this should be at the top of your "must see" list.
YouTube - Dont Talk to Police
leasantry:
