Yeah, that kind of makes them nervous. Last time I did that the LEO froze and ordered me back in the car. They have to put up with a lot and don’t know what they’re getting into. It’s no wonder some of them seem paranoid to the extreme. Constant war zone without R&R. Nothing but respect from me!
2 Likes
I became an adult in the 80 and do not ever recall a cop being scared of a driver under normal circumstances. It is a whole new world these days. Race to the bottom in so many areas.
3 Likes
There have been times where people in states and areas that DON’T require you to tell officers have had some very hostile interactions because of what you mentioned. I say a video on youtube once where the officer asked the guy to step out of the car and conducted a line of questioning with the person only to learn several minutes in that the guy is armed legally. This put the officer in a rage as they suddenly realized had this person been a bad guy the officer woudl likely be dead. I feel like the officer was more mad at himself for not checking sooner but it was certainly tense there.
Honestly, If an area doesn’t require me to notify the officer, I still would because I respect law enforcement enough and I know once I make them aware, I’m doing everything in my power to follow the law and respect their job and them.
4 Likes
I think that’s a great standard. Always be up front. I never want LE to go on defense with me. Tact, with common sense will defuse a situation before anyone feels in danger.
2 Likes
I have a couple of rules I follow with LEO…
-
No one successfully argued their way out of a ticket at 0 dark 30. So I try really hard to not be aggravated by a stop. I have a running camera and a really good lawyer. I’ll let him do his job. By not being confrontational, I’ve received warnings rather than tickets.
-
I drive a convertible, so short of it raining I probably have the top down, don’t care how cold or dark. So I keep my hands up on my sun visor. Mainly because my firearm is off body on a magnet holder. It’s strong enough to hold a shotgun so my firearm stays where I put it. Once I get a chance to speak, I inform the officer that I have a lawfully concealed firearm (I use that exact wording), because as mentioned, LEO view the word differently than civilians. So much so, that if LE is like my LEO friends say, gun is actually a trigger word in their training.
No disrespect to those who are 1st Amendment Auditors or Sovereign Citizens. But I have no intention on being a 1st or 2nd Amendment legend at the roadside. So I am courteous and inform. It costs me nothing and may actually work in my favor. Especially since no one wins a Roadside rules lawyering.
It’s been awhile since we had this discussion so I thought I would bump it as a refresher for some of our newer forum goers.
Edit: Alabama is a Constitutional Carry State with the largest per capita of Conceal carry permit in the Country. 23% was the last reputable number I saw, even with Constitutional Carry. But you get a couple of extra benefits for being licensed. It also tends to lower the tension because LEO knows you care enough to have a permit. Again courtesy costs me nothing. If it gets out of hand that’s what the camera and the lawyer are for.
Pretty much the identical thing I do as a driver. Put my hands on the sun visor and tell the LEO the same thing I would as a driver.
2 Likes
Welcome @GaryJ… great post.
1 Like
I live in a state that does not require me to inform the officer. Have not been stopped. Been honked at plenty because I apparently don’t go fast enough! Anyway, I have read a lot about this and talked with others. Out of respect for the officer, my plan is to have the window down and hands on the wheel. When asked for my wallet, I will mention that I am a CCA holder, ID with my license, and that there is a gun in the car in case he wishes to take custody til our chat is through. What do you think???
2 Likes
I think courtesy costs nothing and can in fact save you money.
4 Likes
Got pulled over last summer (speed) . Young Illinois (no duty to inform) state trooper.
Encounter as follows;
I pull over immediately and place hands on top of the wheel.
Trooper approaches passenger side. “Nice car!”
“Thank you. Yeah, I was stretching her legs a bit.”
“Nice day. I understand and it was your speed.”
“I want you to know I have a CCW and my weapon is at my 3 o’clock and my wallet is at 4 o’clock.”
“That’s fine. Thanks for letting me know and you can go ahead and get your wallet and paperwork.”
I hand her what she asked for a long with my CCW permit
“I’ll be right back.”
“Sir I have written you a warning and here’s all your information.”
“Ma’am you please be safe out here.”
“And you as well Sir. Thank you!”
5 Likes
Thanks @Zavier_D . Kinda what I was thinking.
2 Likes
Twice, I was at fault, and both times received warnings rather than tickets.
3 Likes