Lets talk Officers attitudes towards citizens and guns.

[Norm357]

I don't mean the Officers that post here of course, and I realize that opinions will vary from state to state. Now that that is out of the way....

I frequent the gun boards, and the general opinion is that in the larger cities, Cops are super liberal, just out hoping to bust an honest gun owner on some bogus charges. I have not found this to be the case in Atlanta, and I suspect it is the same in other parts of the country where CCW is legal.

For example, way back when Mrs Norm was pregnant, I was sent to the store in the middle of the night for mint chocolate chip ice cream. Since it was the middle of the night, and I was being lazy, I just slipped a M 66 in my pants sans holster (not really legal at the time) and off to Kroger I went. I happened to end up in line in front of a Ga State Trooper and he asked me if I had a permit for my gun. I said yes and asked him if he wanted to see it. He said no, just get a holster or I might get into trouble. I feel that this is how 99.9% of interactions with law enforcement will go.

Am I right, or am I full of it. You tell me.

[Darin]

Am I right, or am I full of it. You tell me.

You ARE full of it but you'd be right in my case.

[Citicop]

I try to cut people with CCW's a break for the little stuff.

I have made 2 gun arrests in my career so far of people with CCW's.

1.) Possession of a Firearm while Intoxicated.

2.) Possession of a Concealable Firearm while a Fugitive from Justice.

Other than that, if they have a CCW but carried into a business with a posted sign or something and everything else is good, I don't get too worked up about it.

Citicop.

[Kimble]

The only time I've had an issue with a CCW-carrier was during a DUI stop when I asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle and the driver said, "I've got a revolver right here," as he reached down to the side of his seat. Bad idea.

Most officers I knew when I was on the street had no problems with CCW's either. Afterall, they're common in the deep south, as you know, Norm.

[BJJVad]

I would assume it would have something to do with personality of the Officer. Some LEO's cite other LEO's and some don't.

Whether it's the NORM or not.. (made a norm joke) if you are in violation there is a chance you run into THAT guy.

[Plazoo]

I would assume it would have something to do with personality of the Officer. Some LEO's cite other LEO's and some don't.

Whether it's the NORM or not.. (made a norm joke) if you are in violation there is a chance you run into THAT guy.

Exactly. Even here in Washington (A decidedly liberal state if there ever was one) I don't have any issue with anyone legally carrying and most of the guys I know don't either.

With that said, I also know a couple guys who are major stat-builders and will hook someone up no matter what it is.

[Johninaustin]

I have a really hard time wrapping my head around the concept of a "liberal" police officer. Every one I know is so conservative they squeak when they walk. :p

I suppose it's possible in Yankeeland, but here the officers keep the local gun stores in business. I bought three this week. :D


By and large, don't point the thing at a 7-11 clerk and no one will care.

[Samuel]

I frequent the gun boards, and the general opinion is that in the larger cities, Cops are super liberal, just out hoping to bust an honest gun owner on some bogus charges. I have not found this to be the case in Atlanta, and I suspect it is the same in other parts of the country where CCW is legal.

What's a "bogus charge"? Are the gun board members suggesting that LEOs are making up penal/criminal codes?? Or are the people getting caught righteously getting caught for legitimate violations and they're complaining that the LEOs did not turn a blind eye? :confused:

[ChesCopPodz]

Whenever you see an article about police being against CCW, or for the AWB, or against guns in general, you can bet your bottom dollar it's the IACP, or some other organization involving high ranking officers who stopped being cops a long time ago and either push papers or are only interested in furthering their political careers at this point in their career.

The rank and file, and those supervisors who haven't had the corporate lobotomy, are for citizens defending themselves, like guns and shooting, and are all for people carrying guns to defend themselves

[Roger Dat]

I've got too much **** to do to worry about being an asshat to a guy with a CCW.

[Sooner_Born]

I have had two interactions with law enforcement while carrying concealed. Both were completely normal, I just kept my hands on the wheel, informed the officer when he approached that I was licensed and carrying and told them where it was. The fact that it was on my hip and I had to reach past it to get my wallet didn't even seem to bother them.

Only oddity was that one of the times it was a small town cop who saw that it was concealed under a shirt with no print, but still said "I didn't know you could carry open like that". I just mentioned that it was hidden and he didn't say anything else. Overall I have had positive experiences with law enforcement while carrying

[retdetsgt]

I think a lot of gun people are paranoid about the government taking their guns and transfer that paranoia to cops. Hell, I know a bunch of gun nut cops who are paranoid about that.....

[Piggy]

Well at least you didn't tell the Trooper you were just happy to see him.

Guns are the root of all evil, just ask Obama. :rolleyes:

My dad who has been in Law Enforcement for over 40 years used to be critical of Indiana where everyone has a permit and carries everywhere. He used one incident where a drunk person came to Michigan showing off their gun and had a permit and used that for his case against citizen CCW's. He used to talk about how the gun crime rate would skyrocket if Michigan ever became less strict on handgun laws.

That day finally came, and it's now much easier for Joe Blow to get a CCW in Michigan. I reminded him of his view toward CCW's back then, and asked him if things had changed his mind. One of the few times in his life he admitted to being wrong.

[cntryboy0531]

gunz r evil

[Wolfman]

I haven't had a real issue with a CCW carrier. The only real issues are when I'm talking with them and ask if there are any weapons in the car, then they remember to tell me (usually it's the ones that are really nervous and you can tell they don't have much interaction with being in a traffic stop).

Usually, I will hold the weapon if during a traffic stop, and return it unloaded with the ammunition second, some do not, but this is how I was taught. If not a stop or potentially hostile situation, I just say "ok," remind them not to reach for it, and carry on with my business.

It seems the most trouble comes from the non-CCW folks who say really quickly "yeah I have a gun in the car" and before you can get "don't" out of your mouth, they are reaching for it; that kind of stupidity can get you shot.