handling a traffic stop when you're carrying

[fplallen]

I searched the forum but couldn’t find an answer, so forgive me if I’m rehashing a long settled discussion.

I’ve never been stopped while driving when I’ve had a pistol on me, however do to the places and times my new job sends me my policy now is, “don’t leave home without it”. I of course always have my permit on me. The topic came up at the bar the other day – long story short one persons opinion was “if stopped just hand the officer your license and permit, they will assume you gave them the permit for a reason and ask you if and where you have a firearm”. Another person was adamant that “before taking your hands off the steering wheel, (i.e. before you reach in or for anything) you need to inform the officer that you have a loaded firearm in the vehicle”.

Is there a generally accepted practice that a person should use to communicate to an officer/trooper that he has a firearm?

And if not if someone went with the just hand 'em the license & CWP method would it piss you off?

[txinvestigator1]

I searched the forum but couldn’t find an answer, so forgive me if I’m rehashing a long settled discussion.

I’ve never been stopped while driving when I’ve had a pistol on me, however do to the places and times my new job sends me my policy now is, “don’t leave home without it”. I of course always have my permit on me. The topic came up at the bar the other day – long story short one persons opinion was “if stopped just hand the officer your license and permit, they will assume you gave them the permit for a reason and ask you if and where you have a firearm”. Another person was adamant that “before taking your hands off the steering wheel, (i.e. before you reach in or for anything) you need to inform the officer that you have a loaded firearm in the vehicle”.

Is there a generally accepted practice that a person should use to communicate to an officer/trooper that he has a firearm?

And if not if someone went with the just hand 'em the license & CWP method would it piss you off?

Window down, radio off, have your permit and DL in hand. If it is at night have interior light on, hands on wheel. Hand the officer your DL and Permit and tell him you are carrying and where it is located. (hands stay on the wheel)

I plan to say, if needed, "officer, I have a 1911 on my right hip, what would you like me to do?"

[fatboyjim154]

I plan to say, if needed, "officer, I have a 1911 on my right hip, what would you like me to do?"

See if that was Norm, it would take the best part of 20 minutes to inform said officer.:cool:

[Whitebear]

as soon as the officers comes by your door, handle him the documents and inform him of what you are carying and the reason.

Then don't try to reach it in your pockets before he his asking you and keep your hands in plain view for the officer.

If the officer ask you to stepp out and handcuff you: comply without saying a word. if everything is legal for you you will have no problem.

If I am doing a traffic stop and someone tells me that he has a pistols or whatever like that on him belive me he will step out, ill cuff him and secure the weapon then if everything is in rule he will be uncuffed and continue his way..... But if he his trying to reach it in my face whitout the verbal command given to him believe me he will see the smile of my glock:D

[Hop]

If I handcuffed everyone I encountered that had a gun legally, I would wear the cuffs out I've never had a problem with a law abiding citizen with a CCW... Even house wifes here have the occasional .270 in the back of their car this time of year. For the most part I just handle it like a normal stop... I think the problems would be more in line with those that are not being so truthful with me:D

[Valor55]

The sooner I know the situation, the better I feel about it. I get pissed when I'm dealing with someone for a few minutes and then find out they are packing when I get the CCW hit on the computer.

[Ironhead]

It seems to me that no one is going to tell an officer, "Sir, I have a valid permit and a concealed weapon in my vehicle." with the intent to lull him into a false sence of security so that they could then shoot the officer.

The guns you need to worry about are the ones you don't see and don't know about. You have much less to worry about from a gun you know exists.

To answer the question, I think that txinvestigator1's reply was close - but I would not say "a 1911" any more than I would say, "I have a Makarov" or "I have a Taurus"

I know many cops that are not firearm enthusiasts. I think it would be best to simply say, "Sir, I need to tell you that I have a valid permit and a concealed handgun in my vehicle (or on my person)." He will ask where it is and the stop will proceed from there.

One thing to remember, let the officer control the stop - if you try to assume control of how you think it should go, bad things are likely to follow.

[ruthless013]

don't be rifling through your pants or your glove box searching for that permit when i approach! no rush - just sit and wait with hands in plain sight. casually turn on the interior light at night. leave seat belt on.

let the officer give his little greeting, then start blabbing - 'i've got a valid permit for the bazooka under my seat..' 'i'm a certified ninja and my ninja stars are in the glove box' etc, THEN say 'it's all in my ___ pants pocket, glove box' and proceed as instructed.

ccw are few and far between in NYC, save for leo's, so i would demand 100% compliance and accept 0% shennanigans, lest my trigger finger gets itchy.

carry on!

[DetSarg1]

..."officer, I have a 1911 on my right hip, what would you like me to do?"

Trade it in on a Glock. :p

j/k

[chiefhuntr]

See if that was Norm, it would take the best part of 20 minutes to inform said officer.:cool:

Sir, I have a wheel gun on each hip, both ankles, double shoulder rig, pancake holster in the small of my back, two under the seat, a small one above the sunvisor, one in a secret compartment in the dash, one at the base of the back of my neck and a large package in my pants. Other then that officer, I am unarmed.

[Jay7376]

Here is Michigan it is a law that those with a CCW permit inform the officer during a traffic stop if they are carrying.

[RO56]

Hand the officer your DL and Permit and tell him you are carrying and where it is located. (hands stay on the wheel)

Hmmm ... wouldn't that take at least three hands? :D

[North Patrol]

Trade it in on a Glock. :p

j/k

I'm still waiting for the lightning to strike! :eek:

[tomahawk134]

...

[fplallen]

Thanks for all the input – think I’ve got it. My main concern was in not making things tough on the officer who’s just trying to do their job. For most of my experience a stop involves a brief warning about watching my speed; although I occasionally (only Monday–Friday and weekends) drive over the limit I’m not goin’ like a bat outta hell. Wouldn’t want anything I do (or don’t do) to escalate a situation unnecessarily. I’ll be sure to pass on to others the general expectation to inform the officer as soon as you are approached, vice just handing him a permit and waiting.