I’m not sure if this would make officers more uncomfortable or relaxed, but my idea was to have a magnet on the back of my car which indicated that I was a concealed carry weapon permit holder (CCW for short) for whatever state I acquired it in. If ever stopped, an officer would immediately know that I had a permit even before I would be given the chance to say so.
My question is, is this even a wise thing to do? Would officers be more put off by this than if the person told them some seconds later after approaching the window? Would other people on the road be put off by this? Is it generally just not a good idea to announce you might have a gun to anyone who is behind you? I’d like to know others’ thoughts.
The question stems from the black and blue magnet that shows support for police officers.
As for the police knowing if you are carrying, they have told me in this discussion that you bring it up as a casual conversation. They are already weary about doing their job and the timing is important. When they ask you for your drivers licence have your CC permit with it. Do what they say and follow their directions.
As for a sticker or magnet saying you carry it could put out notices to everybody that you are carrying which I do not see as a good thing because it voids the reason why you carry concealed. I usually note to people that if you do not want to be bear food do not make yourself game. Make yourself blend with everybody and do not make yourself stand out. If you do have a USCCA sticker the police will know what the sticker is and know what it means. The communication with the police is a good idea but, the other people that do not need to know is the down fall of that idea.
That is an interesting thought and certainly might make an officer aware, I am not sure how much more relaxed the officer might or might not be. Personally, my truck has nothing identifyable on it and I plan on keeping it that way. If I get pulled over, I prefer to keep my hands where the officer can see them.
I would worry more about how a magnet might make you a target, either by an anti-whatever or a thief. I know your idea is to make it removable, but if someone with nothing better to do sees your magnet, who’s to say they wont follow you to your destination with the idea of at the very least breaking into your car to see if your gun is still there.
My thought is dont ever advertise, no matter your intent. Its a nice thought to try to put the officers at ease if you are in a pulled over situation, but I would say there is too much other risk.
Indicating on your vehicle, or anywhere public, that you are CC is a bad idea and negates the purpose of CC. As to letting the police know, if you are traveling in one of the repressive states, that is just a red flag to get harassed. I got stopped in MD many years ago - I did not even have a firearm in the vehicle, much less on me - their finding out I was a CC holder was like telling them I just robbed a bank. Nothing came of it, as I had no firearm or ammo on me or in the vehicle, but it made it that much worse.
Unless you are in a state where you are required to tell them, I would suggest not to tell, as you would then not be required to. In your home state, they will know anyway, so at that point it is just a courtesy to tell them - and provide your CC card. Virginia passed a law so that other state police departments are not given that info, because of PD in states like MD harassing people.
This, 1000%. I’ve been pulled over once since I started carrying. I was speeding. 80 in a 70. When I handed the officer my license, insurance, and ccw license, he asked point blank if I had a firearm with me. I told him I did, on my left hip. He handed me back my license. When he came back, he handed me my DL and insurance, and gave me the speech about “driving fast kills people”, and then let me go with a verbal warning. He also thanked me for being up front about having a firearm on me.
@Striker, I you have Concealed Carry permit… keep it concealed. Police knows, you don’t need to advertise it to more people…
Any magnet that shows support for police officers is a good idea. It may help one day…
Long time ago I was wearing Chicago Fire cap (soccer team). MLS logo was so small, that everybody thought it was Fireman cap, not soccer fan one. That helped me few times during conversation with uniform people
Just my opinion. Let me start out by saying I have the highest respect for law enforcement. BUT…big but here…I think advertising CC in your car may not be a good idea for multiple reasons: 1) it may make you a target for anti-gun nuts; 2) people who may not know you well that may be riders in your car might be uneasy (only my closest family & friends know I carry); 3) you could invite thieves who may try to steal a firearm and 4) an officer having a bad day may hassle you - they shouldn’t but they might. In my state, we are not required to disclose we have firearms in the vehicle for a general traffic stop. I’m sure others may have different opinions, but for what it’s worth, these were my thoughts.
My thought is for the police, I bet they already know you have a permit. Second, advertising to the rest of the population can only be a bad thing. Just my thoughts on it…
I’m not a fan of advertising that I’m carrying. Most LEO’s will know before they ever approach my car (by running my plate), and I would rather let them know verbally. Everyone else … keep 'em guessing.
He already knows before he walks up and makes contact with you. He runs your tag number before he ever even gets out of your car, that gives him access to tons of data including your DL and CWP etc. Unless you are driving someone else’s car.
I agree with most others here. There is no reason to put a sign on your car advertising that you have a firearm. If the officer does not already know you can and should tell them you have a firearm and your CCW when the come speak to you.
I love your enthusiasm and willingness to ask the questions you did, so I thank you for that. My own opinion about the magnet is “Don’t advertise”. I liken it to “printing” when carrying a weapon. The only reason anyone not in Law Enforcement/EMS/etc. should know you are carrying is when you HAVE to show your weapon. Nowadays, most officers approach everyone with the thought that the person they are interacting with is probably armed.
I wouldn’t put anything gun related on my car, and that includes the USCCA sticker. There are just too many 70 IQ Neanderthals out there, that would key your car over it. And feel justified doing so. The fact that I carry concealed I want it to be a total surprise if and when I ever have to defend myself.
