Inform the officer or not when concealed carry?

[ArtyJarhead]

Suppose you're out for a drive and you've got a tail light out... Or you're doing a bit above the speed limit and you just had a nice set of headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers put on your car...

Regardless, you're now on the side of the road with a blue light special behind you.

Officer comes to the door and asks for your license and registration... Do you inform him that you are in possession of a concealed handgun or not?

Does the matter that it's the sherrif, a local county officer, or a state trooper change your option?



I think the DMV here flags your plates when you get a CCW. I've always thought it's a good idea to inform.

"Officer, I understand you go through a lot of risk in your line of duty, I would like to minimize this risk and inform you that I am in possession of a Concealed Weapon permit and I do have the weapon on my person (or in the car) The weapon is on my left hip (or next to the emergency brake handle in the center console). My license and registration are in my left front pocket. How would you like to proceed?"

Your CCW DOES come back attached to your plates. I know a lot of LEO's and they really do appreciate it when you give them a heads up and let them know your one of the good guy's. Not a good thing seeing the officers face turn white when he finds that you may/ may not have a weapon in the vehicle. Hand your drivers permit and your CCW permit to the officer at the same time and inform them whether or not you have a weapon in the vehicle. Eases the mind and does not come as a surprise when your plates come back. many run plates before the get out of the cruiser anyway, your actions will help ratchet douwn a possibly tense situation.:biggrin:

 

[maybejim]

Your CCW DOES come back attached to your plates

Depends on where you are. I am pretty confident that it is not in Kalifornia. I don't believe it is in Idaho either. I hold carry permits from Kalifornia (resident), Idaho (non-resident with local address), and Utah (non-resident). I am sure none are tied to my plates and doubt that any are tied to my DL.

Some states require notification of the police and some don't. I would always follow the law.

 

[utimmer43]

This whole argument about them finding out through running your plates just doesn't hold water with me. If he already knows that I have a CCW before he even approaches my vehicle, he'll either be concerned about it or he won't, and he will approach accordingly. Quite honestly, there is a chance in any traffic stop that the driver has a gun. At least the CCW is doing so legally. If he's concerned about a possible confrontation, shouldn't he be more nervous when he runs the plates and a CCW doesn't come up?


BTW, I am curious how they do this. Maybe PA is unique here, but as far as I can remember (it's been a few years since I've transfered a car registration/ title) I'm pretty sure the car registration process didn't include my SS#. So, do they just assume it's the right person based on name and address? I'm a Junior and I used to live with my dad. So at one time there were 2 people with the same name living at the same address.

Just seems like too many variables to be 100% reliable.

 

[rwillis]

Oklahoma says this

It shall be unlawful for any person to fail or refuse to identify the fact
that the person is in actual possession of a concealed handgun pursuant
to the authority of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act when the person
first comes into contact with any law enforcement officer of this state
or its political subdivisions or a federal law enforcement officer during
the course of any arrest, detainment, or routine traffic stop. No person
shall be required to identify himself or herself as a concealed handgun
licensee when no handgun is in the person’s possession or in any
vehicle in which the person is driving or is a passenger. Any violation
of the provisions of this subsection shall, upon conviction, be a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00), by imprisonment in the county jail for a period not to exceed
ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. In addition to
any criminal prosecution for a violation of the provisions of this
subsection, the licensee shall be subject to a six-month suspension of
the license and an administrative fine of Fifty Dollars ($50.00), upon a
hearing and determination by the Bureau that the person is in violation
of the provisions of this subsection.

 

[maybejim]

Wasn't Oklahoma that was looking to change the law because it only applied to law abiding license holders and did nothing to those who actually were a threat to the cop and society who was illegally carrying? It seems to me it was some state and I'm thinking Oklahoma (or Tennessee or ;-) ).

 

[rwillis]

I havnt heard anything about that here it might b TN. I myself love OK's gun laws.

 

[gunther37]

Suppose you're out for a drive and you've got a tail light out... Or you're doing a bit above the speed limit and you just had a nice set of headers, exhaust pipes, and mufflers put on your car...

Regardless, you're now on the side of the road with a blue light special behind you.

Officer comes to the door and asks for your license and registration... Do you inform him that you are in possession of a concealed handgun or not?

Does the matter that it's the sherrif, a local county officer, or a state trooper change your option?



I think the DMV here flags your plates when you get a CCW. I've always thought it's a good idea to inform.

"Officer, I understand you go through a lot of risk in your line of duty, I would like to minimize this risk and inform you that I am in possession of a Concealed Weapon permit and I do have the weapon on my person (or in the car) The weapon is on my left hip (or next to the emergency brake handle in the center console). My license and registration are in my left front pocket. How would you like to proceed?"

I am a NC concealed pistol instructor, And yes, here in NC the Number on your concealed permit is identical to your drivers license number, so if you don't tell them they are going to know anyways. But it is not adjoined to your plate.

 

[gvaldeg1]

I travel a lot and due to the fact that the laws vary from state to state, I just think that it's simply a good idea to notify the LEO that you have a CCW and tell them whether or not you have a gun on your person or in the vehicle. What harm can it do to provide this information? As some have indicated, it may make the LEO feel more secure.

 

[rayven]

I travel a lot and due to the fact that the laws vary from state to state, I just think that it's simply a good idea to notify the LEO that you have a CCW and tell them whether or not you have a gun on your person or in the vehicle. What harm can it do to provide this information? As some have indicated, it may make the LEO feel more secure.

To me, it isn't my duty to inform the LEO that I'm carrying. I intend him no harm, so why escalate the possibility he'll freak out?

At the same time, if he's stopping me for whatever reason, he's the one restricting my freedoms. I personally feel no need to provide any more information than is legally required.

Whether or not I'm carrying is honestly none of the LEO's business, and since in my home state (PA) I am not required to inform, I don't feel it necessary.

 

[ArtyJarhead]

Least we forget that LEO's are people doing their job, they deserve the same common curiousy as anyone else does when performing a job. Most I know are thankfull when it's done and it shows them that you have respect for the dangerous job that they perform. Now i am the first person to say that one is not around when you need them, but if you ever should need them they just might remember the courtousy that was shown and repay it.:biggrin:

 

[rayven]

Least we forget that LEO's are people doing their job, they deserve the same common curiousy as anyone else does when performing a job. Most I know are thankfull when it's done and it shows them that you have respect for the dangerous job that they perform. Now i am the first person to say that one is not around when you need them, but if you ever should need them they just might remember the courtousy that was shown and repay it.:biggrin:

Yes, but they *CHOSE* to put themselves in a dangerous situation by becoming a LEO. And if I have any encounters with the police, you can be all but assured it is not by my choice. They are stopping me, not the other way around.

So why should I help someone or show them any extra courtesy if they are about to make my wallet lighter or put me in handcuffs? Makes no sense to me.

At the same time, it really is their job to figure out if something is going on that is illegal. I have no duty to help them, especially when it's my own freedom at stake. If they want to ask me if I'm carrying, I'll answer depending on what is in my best interests -- not the LEO. (Just don't lie to a LEO -- although you can refuse to answer ANY question)

 

[KathleenElsie]

Now a question from a woman. Would you, if you were a female, tell the officer or give him/her your ccw? I have found that sometimes the gender difference makes a difference in many decisions.:girl_wink:

 

[rockwerks]

Yes, but they *CHOSE* to put themselves in a dangerous situation by becoming a LEO. And if I have any encounters with the police, you can be all but assured it is not by my choice. They are stopping me, not the other way around.

So why should I help someone or show them any extra courtesy if they are about to make my wallet lighter or put me in handcuffs? Makes no sense to me.

At the same time, it really is their job to figure out if something is going on that is illegal. I have no duty to help them, especially when it's my own freedom at stake. If they want to ask me if I'm carrying, I'll answer depending on what is in my best interests -- not the LEO. (Just don't lie to a LEO -- although you can refuse to answer ANY question)

Your stance is part of the problem in this country, whether you wish the encounter is a moot point, they deserve your respect as any one does.

 

[utimmer43]

Your stance is part of the problem in this country

What stance is that? The stance that I have no duty to inform in most states, and believe that it's non of the LEOs business? If I'm on my way home from the park with my son, I might have a baseball and bat in the car. I can throw a pretty wicked fastball and could certainly split a skull with a metal bat. Would it be courteous and respectful to inform the LEO of the presence of these items? I can just see the look on his face.

they deserve your respect as any one does.

And sure, respect he will get. I show respect by pulling over when the flashing lights are behind me, as that is my obligation. Would you say it's disrespectful to NOT inform the LEO? If so, then you must also believe it disrespectful when someone excersizes their 5th amendment right and doesn't say anything at all while being questioned.

 

[ArtyJarhead]

Ok. I can see my post cause a lot of varied replies. My Father feels the same as some of you...that he will not inform a LEO unless asked....but ....having seen some of my friends ,that are LEO's , face's when they are informed by dispatch that the occupant has a CCW is cause for concern. My feeling is this. I am a law abiding citizen, in legal possession of a legally owned weapon and have the documentation to prove that I am licensed to carry a concealed weapon. I know that the LEO already knows that I have the permit, what he does not know is my state of mind at that time. I could have just gotten in a fight with the wife/girlfriend,had a really bad day at work, whatever.I think that by providing that information (CCW) it shows the officer my state of mind, that I am able to realize that he doesn't know my state of mind and have the fore thought to inform him/her, after all I pose them no threat. Yes I realize that they chose this line of work, they know how dangerous it is and I also understand that is my responsibility to them to show them I mean them no harm.I have personally known people in law enforcement most of my life, all they want is to do their job and go home safe. If I can be in the least responsible for that I feel justified in my actions. Having a CCW is a huge responsibility in and of it's self. I would like to convey to the LEO ( as well as to anyone who asks) that I can be trusted with that responsibility and utilize it for it's purpose. To justifiably defend myself when all other actions have failed.:no::no:

 

[maybejim]

It is this left wing stereotype of the gun owner that is the problem. I am not dangerous to anyone, including a cop, who is acting lawfully. It doesn't matter if I had a fight with my wife (or my girlfriend--same person) or just got fired from my job. I am a law abiding citizen. I do not buy that I am showing the police officer respect by showing my carry permit. I am no more a threat to the cop than he is to me.

If required by law to notify, by all means notify. But my CCW is not tied to any car plate and probably not to my drivers license. I do not have to notify in Kalifornia or in Idaho or Nevada or Oregon (if I can get a non-resident permit there). So I may or may not notify but absolutely will not in Kalifornia.

 

[utimmer43]

It is this left wing stereotype of the gun owner that is the problem. I am not dangerous to anyone, including a cop, who is acting lawfully. It doesn't matter if I had a fight with my wife (or my girlfriend--same person) or just got fired from my job. I am a law abiding citizen. I do not buy that I am showing the police officer respect by showing my carry permit. I am no more a threat to the cop than he is to me.

Everything in that paragraph is spot-on.AMEN BROTHER! Unfortunately though, it isn't just a leftwing thing. Guns have a negative stigma with alot of people that I know who own guns for, say, defense of home or just for target shooting, but not to carry. When I decided I was going to get a gun and start carrying, my own mom (one of the most conservative people I know) was floored. "Why do you need to carry a gun?"

The stigma has been developed over the years by the people being complacent. It used to be that EVERYONE carried a gun. But then, back in that day, we didn't even have cops, save for a sheriff and maybe a deputy. When the sheriff approached you, he knew you were armed, because everyone was. Slowly but surely, we have become more comfortable with the "protection" the police provide, and so we felt it less necessary to arm ourselves. That is when the left wing moves in and takes advantage of our complacentcy. We have allowed more and more restriction on our God given rights. We started out with one firearms law (2A), now we have over 20,000.

Like I said before, there is a chance that the driver is armed every time a cop pulls someone over. When he runs the plate or DL or whatever, he should be relieved to see the driver has a CCW, not alarmed.

BTW, I'm not really trying to change anyones mind. You do what you want, I'll do what I want. I'm actually looking for a good reason to change my mind, and so far I haven't found one.

 

[Debray]

Local frisked after telling LEO he had a CCW

As he was leaving the shop two Sheriff deputies pulled him over and when one deputy walked up to the car Jim told him " I have a concealed carry".

At that time he was ordered out of the car at gun point and told to spread eagle over the hood.

He told the officer my pistol is in my right front pocket and the Deputy removed it, the other Deputy took it to their vehicle, probably to check the registration.

Jim asked the officer why he was stopped, The Deputy said, a neighbor reported gun fire coming from his shop.

Jim told the Deputy he was using an air nailer, there was no gun fire.

They than returned his pistol unloaded and told him he could go.

Jim went back to his shop and as he entered he set off his vehicle bugler alarm and went inside to see if the neighbor would make another call.

Take Care
Debray

 

[KathleenElsie]

As he was leaving the shop two Sheriff deputies pulled him over and when one deputy walked up to the car Jim told him " I have a concealed carry".

At that time he was ordered out of the car at gun point and told to spread eagle over the hood.

He told the officer my pistol is in my right front pocket and the Deputy removed it, the other Deputy took it to their vehicle, probably to check the registration.

Jim asked the officer why he was stopped, The Deputy said, a neighbor reported gun fire coming from his shop.

Jim told the Deputy he was using an air nailer, there was no gun fire.

They than returned his pistol unloaded and told him he could go. Why unloaded? Did he get his ammo back?

Jim went back to his shop and as he entered he set off his vehicle bugler alarm and went inside to see if the neighbor would make another call.Did the alarm get answered?

Take Care
Debray

Where we live if you expect the law to get there in time to help they might make it in time to carry your casket.:sarcastic:

 

[queball]

The job of the police is to enforce the law. The "protect and serve" is just a motto and holds no weight. The Supreme Court even weighed in on this issue and said that the police have no duty to protect anyone, just to enforce the law.

So you will be OK the next time that an officer just passes by your wife, stranded late at night on a dark sidestreet, since he has no duty to protect anyone, just to enforce the law?
You will be OK with an officer not questioning someone in a car with binoculars outside your daughter's apartment late at night, since it is a public street, and technically no actual laws appear to be being broken? I ain't buyin' it.

The VAST majority of officers DO consider it their duty to "protect and serve", and the VAST majority do it VERY well. I thank them for it, and will go beyond my duty to help them, because I am very confident that they will go beyond theirs to help me when I need it, and I am sure it will be a bigger effort on their part to help me than it was on mine to help them.

And it is true that most LEOs are not really on the side of the citizen -- most will defend their fellow officers even if that includes lying or making stuff up. Happens all the time. Unfortunately, that's reality.

All the time? Really? I would interpret "all the time" to mean a majority of the time, or at least, a good share of the time. Sorry, I'm calling BS on that one. Happens, yes. How often? RARELY. You have been watching way too much TV. I know you can prove that it has and does happen, but really... "all the time"?

I have read back through this thread, considering all the statements made, and, again meaning no offense, since it is just my opinion, but I think someone is living in the paranoid palace.