LEO"S - What do you think?

[Protected One]

I had a situation just yesterday that got me to thinking. My wifes car stopped running while she was out on errands. Naturally, she called me at home. I went to where she was, carrying concealed, as I always am.

She was stopped right in front of a gas station at a major intersection in a sizable city. Not any cause for concern. Before I arrived, a local LEO had pushed he car out of the street and into the driveway of the gas station - which is where I found her. As we were waiting for the tow truck to arrive (my wife was in the car, I was outside) another cop pulled up behind us, got out, came over and asked if things were ok. I explained to him the situation, assured him that things were under control, and thanked him for stopping. With that, we shook hands and he was on his way.

It occurred to me as he was standing there that he had no idea I was armed. The law in my home state requires an individual who has a carry permit, and is carrying, to notify an officer immediately...UPON BEING PULLED OVER. Since we were not "pulled over" I was within the law to NOT reveal that I was carrying. Still, I'd like to know what those of you who are LEO's have to say about the situation. Did I handle it satisfactory to you, or would you have preferred something else be done?

 

[Donn]

No harm, no foul. You might want to lead with that info next time, if there is a next time. Err on the side of caution.

 

[gunblade]

I'd say nothing. It wasn't a traffic stop. He might be one of those cops that would go berserk on you once he found out you were carrying, legally or not. I don't trust 'em.

 

[Vision Remodeling]

The only reason to reveal that info is if you are being stopped or questioned. LEO asks for your drivers license, you hand him your license and your CCP or CCL is the safest way. Telling a LEO who just stops to say hello that you are armed as he approaches is a good way to get a gun pointed in your face. Saying the word gun, firearm or I'm armed out loud during a stop is a good way to have the secondary officer you didn't see, pull his gun on you. Always just hand them the permit and let them take it from there.

 

[Silvergoose]

I must agree with #2,3,and 4. It appears in your outline of events you were simply standing in the parking lot, next to your car.

The officer was just checking the scene, you were not asked for license, or any other I.D. So, let it go.

As mentioned in this day and time unless a direct question is asked, don't volunteer.

 

[Der Biermeister]

I must agree with #2,3,and 4. As mentioned in this day and time unless a direct question is asked, don't volunteer.

This is a good question, but after giving it some thought, I think I agree with the others that have posted so far. As long as you are not the person of interest -- I would stay mum. If however, you detect the slightest change from the LEO, to where he is starting to focus on you, it is your obligation to immediately make him aware that you are CC. You of course do this diplomatically -- you NEVER blurt out a phrase like "I have a gun".

 

[pawncop]

You did not note your state and state laws differ. As far as I am concerned, the contact did not meet the criteria to declare your status.

That being said (and it is my opinion, for my state -The Great State of TEXAS), my opinion is not helpful with your state laws.

It is over and done, worry not. you show credibility by thinking about this, but use your good sense.

I hope you find this helpful.

 

[Protected One]

No harm, no foul. You might want to lead with that info next time, if there is a next time. Err on the side of caution.

Are you saying lead with "I have a cpl and am carrying?"

 

[Protected One]

You did not note your state and state laws differ. As far as I am concerned, the contact did not meet the criteria to declare your status.

That being said (and it is my opinion, for my state -The Great State of TEXAS), my opinion is not helpful with your state laws.

It is over and done, worry not. you show credibility by thinking about this, but use your good sense.

I hope you find this helpful.

Your comments are helpful, and appreciated.

My states law "specifically" reads - "when pulled over", so I was quite confident that I violated no law with my actions. Still, it informative to have other law enforcement officers share their thoughts on such a situation.

 

[Smoke]

My states law "specifically" reads - "when pulled over", so I was quite confident that I violated no law with my actions. Still, it informative to have other law enforcement officers share their thoughts on such a situation.

Perhaps you could post the relevant statute?

 

[loc n load]

armed or not

In regards to the OP, I don't see any problems there....when I was approaching & interreacting with anybody I always assumed they were potentially armed & maintained situational awareness. Nowadays on traffic stops when they run your plate, if you have a CC permit it will come up, if your jurisdiction requires you to "declare" yourself, then it is prudent to do so.....

 

[GerSan69]

Nope, keep it to yourself.

 

[Alk8944]

Protected One,

Since you don't say what state you are from, and most of us are from other states with varying rules, you have us at a disadvantage. As I understand your post there was the first officer who stopped, rendered assistance, then left. A short time after a second officer saw you stopped, off the street on private property, and stopped to ask if everything was alright? Unless you and your wife were doing anything to give an observer the idea you were engaged in some sort of conflict I cannot imagine why the second officer even stopped. Regardless this does not appear in any way to be a traffic stop (obviously) or investigative. If he had any reason to think something was wrong he should have asked directly if you were armed. Lacking this you have no compulsion to volunteer any information.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

If your state mandates you should, Then you should.

Here in maine we are not a shall-inform state.

Ergo my informing an officer 100% depends on his mood. If he seems angry, irritable or just outright a jerk. I'm not going to tell him I'm carrying, I dont want to give him a reason to freak out.

Whereas if they are calm, collected and polite, ill usually shoot them a "hey, I have a ccw and I am armed, just so you know".

Either way when they run my name in the toughbook their going to find out I'm armed, however I have no Obligation to say such things unless I personally feel the need :-D

 

[Don 73]

I tend to agree, unless you are the focus of an investigative stop, I don't see the need for you to "announce."

I'm not EXACTLY sure how it reads in OH (I'm going to look it up to be sure) I don't believe that you have to announce unless you are pulled over or approached for an investigative reason. Of course if I happen to spot your CC, I'm going to ask about it.

I'm about as mellow as you're going to find when it comes to civilian carry, I encourage it and if (when) someone announces to me that they are a licensed CCW, my threat assessment (not awareness) drops a notch. If someone is able to pass a CCH and meet the requirements to get a license, odds are very good that they are not a threat to me.

 

[KKECK5]

I think you did ok.....My wife and I go walking a lot...(actually she drags me).. Many times we have passed a LEO doing a paid detail on the street that we are walking. We pass saying "Good Morning", and they always return it to us.....Like people have said...No harm, no foul.....

 

[Protected One]

Protected One,

Since you don't say what state you are from, and most of us are from other states with varying rules, you have us at a disadvantage. As I understand your post there was the first officer who stopped, rendered assistance, then left. A short time after a second officer saw you stopped, off the street on private property, and stopped to ask if everything was alright? Unless you and your wife were doing anything to give an observer the idea you were engaged in some sort of conflict I cannot imagine why the second officer even stopped. Regardless this does not appear in any way to be a traffic stop (obviously) or investigative. If he had any reason to think something was wrong he should have asked directly if you were armed. Lacking this you have no compulsion to volunteer any information.

I'm guessing the 2nd officer stopped because he saw the hazard flashers going on a car that's "not quite all the way in the gas station". He was smiling and courteous.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Another good way I've used to let LE know your carrying, without "announcing " and being worried of being searched or anything.

Note what kind of pistol they are carrying, "Glock eh? Model 22? I carry a S&W 6906 myself, how do you like the glock"

Officer will realize your carrying, but odds are 99% wont ask you for your permit or to see the weapon, odds are he or she will bull with you about guns for 15 minutes or so and you may make a new range buddy :-D. Before I worked in my field I got nice with a lot of my local LE officers that way. So now that I do have the job I do, they dont disrespect me because they already know me, and how I operate around guns :-D

 

[Protected One]

Perhaps you could post the relevant statute?

(3) An individual licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol
and who is stopped by a peace officer shall immediately disclose to the peace officer that he or she is carrying
a pistol concealed upon his or her person or in his or her vehicle.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

(3) An individual licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol
and who is stopped by a peace officer shall immediately disclose to the peace officer that he or she is carrying
a pistol concealed upon his or her person or in his or her vehicle.[/COLOR]

Just says stopped, doesn't designate a reason as to why, so I would interpret this as for anything and everything.