Posted on 12/31/2009 3:59:47 PM PST by majstoll
On numerous Internet forums, and some email lists, gun owners periodically report being hassled by police when pulled over for routine traffic infractions. . . . But often there is a common thread to these stories – the dorky gun owner brought up the gun thing all on her own! . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
And DIGG and REDITT the article at http://www.examiner.com/x-2782-DC-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m12d31-Dont-be-a-gun-dork-in-traffic-stops
In some states it is mandatory to inform the officer you are carrying. Elsewise, I’d agree. If not asked, don’t tell. This applies to ccw permit holders. If you have a firearm properly stored, the same applies....... don’t tell.
Great Article! You never want to volunteer any more information that you have to when pulled over for traffic stops or even sobriety checkpoints. Never, ever volunteer anything as anything that gives the officer probable cause can mean a search of your car.
This article is BS. When I took concealed carry classes, we are told to give the officer both our Texas Driver’s License and the Concealed Carry permit. My renewal class earlier this month was taught by a retired cop.
I have never been pulled over, live in Florida and have a CCW permit. I have discussed this situation with Florida Highway Patrol and Sheriffs deputies that I know. They have advised me that if I am pulled over, when the officer approaches the window that I should keep my hands on the steering wheel at 10 and 2, greet the officer and inform them that I have a CCW and where the weapon is located and then await instructions from the officer. They have advised me that they would appreciate knowing the information as opposed to finding out any other way.
I generally agree with your points, Mike, but it would be wise to note that numerous states require holders of concealed weapon permits to inform any officer that they interact with that they hold the permit (if they are carrying a concealed weapon).
I suggest that the best way to comply with these policies, when required, is to hand the officer the concealed weapon permit with the other paperwork.
Telling the officer “I have a gun.” is likely to cause unnecessary delays, and might elicit an unwelcome response.
I think its the law in Florida that you are stopped by a police officer and are carrying you are required to tell him.
So how do you do that without getting shot?
“This article is BS. When I took concealed carry classes, we are told to give the officer both our Texas Driver’s License and the Concealed Carry permit. My renewal class earlier this month was taught by a retired cop.”
That is the case in Texas, if you have a CHL. If you do not, my understanding is that you are not required to inform the officer that you have a firearm in the vehicle.
Makes sense to me. It sure beats not telling them and having them discover it on their own.
“Lying to an officer is not a good idea.”
True, lying is a bad idea. However, you are not required to answer his questions. Sometimes silence is the best reply. Certainly, my policy is not to grant any request to search the vehicle that I am in.
Not telling the cop you have a CCW is a waste of time and could be perceived by the cop as trying to hide something. As soon as he runs your DL, the CCW is going to pop up. If you think that info isn’t in their database, you’re a little naive.
Chances are they’ll know before they ever turn on the lights to pull you over.
In law schools "probable cause" is a very important concept.The Founding Fathers seemed to take it seriously as well.But in every day life it means nothing...at least not in traffic stops (unless,of course,you're "of color").If a cop wants to search your car,he'll do so...and if challenged later he'll come up with an excuse that a judge is likely to accept.
Cops are fundamentally tax collectors with guns. Who tells them what to do? Politicians. (I always exclude politicians from the general population - like the incarcerated) Pimps and whores I think.
If the car is registered in your name, that’s true.
As far as I am concerned, a gun I am carrying is of absolutely no danger to any policeman. I have no intention of ever telling him I have one. It is simply none of his business.
If you are one of those who think it is his business then you are someone who thinks bearing arms is not a right.
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