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?
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.
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.
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.
If you are pulled over by the police in the state in which you live, the officer knows from your plates whether you have a CCP.
I have been told that the proper procedure is to place both hands on the dashboard (to keep the officer from being nervous). When the officer approaches he will want to know where the firearm is. At that point you SAY where it is, you don’t reach for it.
Common sense guides you.
If the whole event goes beyond you maybe just getting a ticket, you had better know when it is time to let him/her know. If not, you have no business having a CCW.
Of course, if your state law dictates, follow the law!!!
After reading this article several times through, I don’t know if he is being sarcastic or what.........
They are SO INTERESTED when I do that! They get really excited, too!!
Article is BS.
Police in every State (I think) can tell if you have a CCW by your DL# when they pull it up. If you are driving your car by the plate number, which they have already ran before getting to your window.
Some States REQUIRE you to tell them you have a CCW if you have one even if you are NOT carrying at the time of traffic stop.
If you have a CCW the best thing to do is keep your hands on the steering wheel and first thing out of your mouth is “Hello before we go any further I have a CCW and I am (or am not) carrying a firearm today”
Oh and the hands on the steering wheel in “in white knuckled determination to refuses any temptation to move?” Yea don’t do this, but the article didn’t say to have that stuff ready for the police officer when he gets to the window.
To be fair the article is sort of correct, but only in verbiage to NOT say to the police officer. “I have a gun” first out of your mouth is BAD. Don’t do this unless you are an idiot.
“do you want to see my concealed handgun permit?”. Okay, but forgo the batting eyelashes. Police aren’t impressed with that (well unless you’re a really hot girl, but that might end up getting a free unwanted frisking)
Now if you don’t have a CCW and are properly transporting firearms locked up and unloaded keep your mouth shut, it’s not their business but if they do ask do not lie, because chances are they won’t ask unless something is amiss.
Open carry legally transporting without CCW with gun in plain sight they better also know it’s there. Cause if they don’t and happen to see it then you’ll be in trouble that way too.
The one stupid idiot cop might give you problems, but the rest of the police force will appreciate you if you let them know.
Professional courtesy? It doesn’t exist, but, every time I’ve said “I have a CCW and I am (or am not) carrying today” right away I’ve gotten let go with a warning on the speeding, tail light, or whatever I originally gotten pulled over for in the first place.
One veteran police officer (guessing by his age) even told me he loves pulling over CCW’s because it tells him chances are he just pulled over a law abiding citizen instead of walking into a blind traffic stop.
For what it is worth, a compilation of videos and articles from around the web is available here:
http://johnjacobh.wordpress.com/category/a-traffic-stop-and-police-encounter-tutorial/
Best regards,
New tagline for the new year...
The only time I would tell is if I ever had to get out of the car. If there is no need to tell, why do it?