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.
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.
Thank you for your perspective, Boomboy. I enjoy and always welcome INTELLIGENT debates/disagreements.
I guess I have had the good fortune of contact with only "cool" LEOs. I've only not informed once. The cop was a total prick and I didn't want the hassle.
I guess it's in how you carry yoursself, also. Anyone will benefit from a mature and collected attitude
- my $.02
Did you get a chance to watch the video?
When the officer asks for your credentials:
Keep both hands on the wheel,
Look straight ahead,
Respond with "I have a pistol permit and my weapon is (location)",
Thay will tell you how they want you to move/act.
Some take it from you. A few haven't. I've never gotten a ticket :yes2:
I asked a Sheriff who is also a friend of mine about how to handle a traffic stop while carrying. His reply was: As soon as we run the plates, it comes up that their is a CCW holder that belongs with that vehicle. So they already know, and you might as well inform them while keeping your hands in plain sight. I asked about my wife driving my vehicle who does not have a CCW and the procedure is the same. Keep your hands in plain sight, inform the officer you do not have a CCW or a weapon on you.
Now if I am the passenger and she is driving it's the same routine, but we both keep our hands in plain sight and she informs the officer that I am the one with the CCW license and carrying. That's when I have to tell the officer I have a CCW license and ask LEO how they want me to proceed. It's a hassle sure, but I can see it from the LEO'S point of view as well. They know there is most likely a loaded Firearm in the vehicle, and they approach cautiously. Now I'll ruffle some feathers: I don't care what state your from, or what they tell you, your on the grid, and they know you have a weapon on you unless you have borrowed a vehicle from somebody that doesn't have a license for Concealed Carry. And even so once you give them your operators license and they run your background it will come up. So for what it's worth be upfront, hands in plain sight and don't make an enemy out of the officer.leasantry:
Not to ruffle any feathers, and with all due respect... This thread was Connecticut specific, a state which does not require notification. I'm not sure weather they connect it to your DL or registration, but I suspect that they do not.I asked a Sheriff who is also a friend of mine about how to handle a traffic stop while carrying. His reply was: As soon as we run the plates, it comes up that their is a CCW holder that belongs with that vehicle. So they already know, and you might as well inform them while keeping your hands in plain sight. I asked about my wife driving my vehicle who does not have a CCW and the procedure is the same. Keep your hands in plain sight, inform the officer you do not have a CCW or a weapon on you.
Now if I am the passenger and she is driving it's the same routine, but we both keep our hands in plain sight and she informs the officer that I am the one with the CCW license and carrying. That's when I have to tell the officer I have a CCW license and ask LEO how they want me to proceed. It's a hassle sure, but I can see it from the LEO'S point of view as well. They know there is most likely a loaded Firearm in the vehicle, and they approach cautiously. Now I'll ruffle some feathers: I don't care what state your from, or what they tell you, your on the grid, and they know you have a weapon on you unless you have borrowed a vehicle from somebody that doesn't have a license for Concealed Carry. And even so once you give them your operators license and they run your background it will come up. So for what it's worth be upfront, hands in plain sight and don't make an enemy out of the officer.leasantry:
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