opsspec1991
Active member
Tips for Representing the Carry Community
Your behavior as a concealed carry permit holder can affect the outcome of many scenarios. At a time when tensions may be high, make sure you know how to avoid trouble, stay calm and stay safe while proudly representing our growing community of responsible Americans, especially when interacting with law enforcement.
PR With Police
Courtesy and respect can have an especially positive influence on the image of permit holders with police officers. Usually, interactions are limited to getting pulled over for a traffic stop, and this is exactly how you should handle it:
Pull over, put your vehicle in park and shut off the motor.
Stay in the vehicle; never get out unless instructed to do so.
Lower the window, turn off the radio, turn on the dome light if it’s after dark and put both hands on the steering wheel.
The first word out of your mouth should be “Officer,” as in “Officer, how can I help you?”
If he or she asks if you know why you’ve been pulled over, the best answer is, “Officer, no I don’t.” (If you say yes, you are admitting to a violation.)
Whether or not you are required to immediately inform police that you are legally carrying a firearm varies by state.
If you choose to or must disclose this info, how you say it matters. NEVER say, “Officer, I have a gun.” Instead, keep your hands on the wheel and say, “Officer, before I reach for my wallet, I just want to let you know that I’m a legal permit holder and I’m carrying today. How do you want to handle that?”
Then simply follow instructions, completely and slowly.
Protecting ourselves and our loved ones is our first responsibility, but we also have a responsibility to the carry community to behave in a way that reflects positively on all of us.
Your behavior as a concealed carry permit holder can affect the outcome of many scenarios. At a time when tensions may be high, make sure you know how to avoid trouble, stay calm and stay safe while proudly representing our growing community of responsible Americans, especially when interacting with law enforcement.
PR With Police
Courtesy and respect can have an especially positive influence on the image of permit holders with police officers. Usually, interactions are limited to getting pulled over for a traffic stop, and this is exactly how you should handle it:
Pull over, put your vehicle in park and shut off the motor.
Stay in the vehicle; never get out unless instructed to do so.
Lower the window, turn off the radio, turn on the dome light if it’s after dark and put both hands on the steering wheel.
The first word out of your mouth should be “Officer,” as in “Officer, how can I help you?”
If he or she asks if you know why you’ve been pulled over, the best answer is, “Officer, no I don’t.” (If you say yes, you are admitting to a violation.)
Whether or not you are required to immediately inform police that you are legally carrying a firearm varies by state.
If you choose to or must disclose this info, how you say it matters. NEVER say, “Officer, I have a gun.” Instead, keep your hands on the wheel and say, “Officer, before I reach for my wallet, I just want to let you know that I’m a legal permit holder and I’m carrying today. How do you want to handle that?”
Then simply follow instructions, completely and slowly.
Protecting ourselves and our loved ones is our first responsibility, but we also have a responsibility to the carry community to behave in a way that reflects positively on all of us.
