Official Police contact- What do you say?

[Rastoff]

There is a lot being taken out of context here. Much of this is due to the vagaries of typing on the internet. It is impossible to include all the possible variations of what could happen during a police stop.

Suffice it to say, take each situation as it's presented. Follow the law. If you're required to disclose, do so in as low key a manner as possible.

 

[Smoke]

I've let people go with ILLEGALLY carried guns before, based on the circumstances. Cops with lots of time on the job tend to use a lot of discretion.

Did you tell them they where carrying illegally?

 

[RSanch111]

Did you tell them they where carrying illegally?

Didn't need to. They knew. Just told them the next guy would very likely lock them up if they didn't have a permit.

 

[Kanewpadle]

This subject is much like OC vs CC. It's personal preference unless the law requires it.

A traffic stop could go either way. And we have no control over it. Knowing what to or what not to do is of extreme importance. Be prepared. Be smart. Don't run your mouth. If legal action is required, do so after the stop. Don't announce it.

 

[g8rb8]

Question: Doesn't the officer eventually know you have a CCL (conceal carry license) even if you don't inform them?

I have a couple of assumptions. Hopefully one of the police officer members can set me (us) straight on these assumptions?
1. My understanding is when you are pulled over the police officer "runs" or checks your license plate and/or license against a database and they are advised of any potential important information?
2. I was under the assumption, at least in some states, the police officer will know when they "run" your plates or license if you have a CCL (conceal carry license)? In Kansas your CCL is processed through the office where you obtain your driver's license. If this assumption is correct doesn't the officer eventually know you have a CCL?

 

[Rastoff]

There is an amazing amount of information available through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Not all of it is given to a police officer if he "runs" your plates.

I'm sure this differs from state to state or even jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Here in CA every policeman I've talked to says they don't get this through a simple license check. Around here, all they are looking for is outstanding warrants or to see if the vehicle is stolen or something like that. They can look deeper if the situation requires it, but rarely do.

I guess it could be a flag, but it doesn't seem to be here.

 

[Smoke]

In Colorado they'll never know unless you tell them

 

[Road Rat]

While I guess there may be some officers out there that won't ask, you can bet most will.

They have a difficult job and deal with the lowest denominator in society all the time. It is wise for them to assume the occupant intends them harm until they determine otherwise. Therefore, they are likely to ask if you have any weapons.

The US Supreme Court has determined that a police officer has the right to make the scene safe. This could include holding on to a gun until the situation is resolved; regardless of what that situation is. Yes, including a headlight being out.

Well, that very might be - but; if I am really a BAD GUY I certainly am not going to be truthful with the LEO in the first place!!! Just one more point of picking on the law abiding people!

 

[firebyprolong]

Kansas is a duty to inform state. License and cc permit go out the window together with the standard statement with my hands on the wheel. Always get something close to "don't make any move towards it" and we go along our merry way, no problems. There is no reason in the world to be rude to a guy just doing his job they want to go home to there kids just as bad as you do. When you ad undue stress to an already stressful situation you are asking for a problem. On that same note you need to know your rights, but the place to arguee that is in front of the judge, not on the side of the road at 2 in the morning. I have also had a rookie city cop ask to hold on the the weapon during the stop. Again "no problem officer its a smith revolver. Would you like me to make the weapon safe before I surrender it or can you do that safely? " after that I could see his wheels turning and it became much less of an issue to the effect of " if you could I would appreciate it" After all was said and done we had a twenty minute conversation on the side of the road about the advantages of a wheel gun over his wonder 9 , how pretty my combat masterpeice was and his confession that it was the first revolver he had ever handled. Nice guy just doing his job with out getting shot.

 

[Watchdog]

Policeman: Do you know why I stopped you?
Me: No, I am no mind reader.

It went downhill from there.

Gosh, I wonder why?

 

[GaryS]

"No.Do YOU know why you stopped me?"

Probably would work as well as your approach.

Policeman: Do you know why I stopped you?
Me: No, I am no mind reader.

It went downhill from there.

 

[Kentucky Dave]

LEO (CA CHP): May I see your license and registration?

Me: (with BOTH hand on the top of the steering wheel): Yes sir. But before I go reaching around, my license AND my concealed weapon permit are on my left hip. My .45 is on my right hip. What you like me to do, sir?

LEO: Thank you. This is what I want you to do...

And things went on in a very civilized manner from there on. I do not want an LEO with whom I'm interacting to EVER find out I am carrying and have it be a surprise to them. Never!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I was pulled over just a few days ago.

I reckon the target stand with shot-up targets in the back of my pickup probably gave the LEO a clue I might have been armed. He never asked about a gun. I never said anything about a gun. No seatbelt, no current registration, no insurance card... no ticket.

Where ya live and your attitude have a lot to do with all this kinda stuff.

 

[RSanch111]

Stopped a guy for doing 60 in a 35 once. Before I could open my mouth, he demanded: "Why'd you stop me?!?!" I asked: "Why do you THINK I stopped you?" His reply: "Cause I'm BLACK!" I said: "I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Black, I didn't recognize you. Please forgive me." and I let him go. When we're bored, we have to entertain ourselves.....

 

[Skeet 028]

You is a sick puppy!!

 

[Skeet 028]

Not a cop thing but a cop WAS involved. Worked on an Airport and got called out on a medical. Guy on a plane they couldn't wake up(drunk?). Tied him to an air chair and got him off. He was awake but thought he was in deep doo-doo cause of the cop. I told the cop he was faking but he thought not..so ammonia inhalent. He squirmed but was kinda prepared especially for the 2nd. Cop said..see he's out of it.. I said...really? 3rd one went up his nose and the guy jumped up retrieved the darn thing from his nose..I was doing the It's alive from Frankenstein. Finally gets it out and he pointed his finger at me and said..you're a *** whole..3 times an a whole..we were laughing ourselves silly. even the cop. He did get to ride home..in a taxi...Cop made sure of that

 

[GCF]

Anyway, these are my thoughts. What do you think? Right? Wrong?

You are right on the money - at least IMHO...

Most LEO's that I have come into contact with - during traffic stops in the border area, appreciate the initial heads up, & are aware that CCW licensees, are the good guys.

The LEO may, or may not choose to disarm you during the course of the interview (depending on a number of factors), but from my experience here in S. TX, your thoughtful approach is most likely to keep things from escalating.

Thanks for the helpful post!

 

[keith44spl]

Officer, Deputy, Trooper....

When ask for my DLs or ID............

Along with my DL, I present my CCDW Lic. and say,
"I have my personal defense firearm with me."

.

Sometimes I jest hand em my DL and Maranda warning card

 

[jimmyj]

TRAFFIC STOP:
Officer: Good afternoon sir. I am Patrolman Smith working traffic control on this highway. Sir, do you know why I stopped you?

Jimmy: Because I am visiting your wife while you are on duty?

*** the end of this story was NOT pleasant !!

 

[RSanch111]

& are aware that CCW licensees, are the good guys.

Why do so many guys say this like it's a fact? PLENTY of "bad guys" have CCW licenses! Why? So they don't get arrested for a felony if a cop catches them with an unlawfully carried firearm! There are LOTS of "bad guys" out there who do not have a criminal history that would preclude them from getting a CCW license.