Question for our LE Members!

Cleck · Sep 16, 2016

I'm not one, but I can imagine they would appreciate any openness from the people they're approaching. It's the same reason why I put my dome light on when I get pulled over. I want everyone to be as relaxed and not have "what is he hiding or what is he gonna do?" on their minds.

TMC · Sep 16, 2016

I would think in today's climate open windows and dome light but remember the officer can see you thru the rear window .
Every movement you make he sees and the more you move hands,arms and body the more concerned your doing something even reaching in the glove compartment for paper work all he see's is movement towards a compartment assume paper? assume gun? He doesn't know if you a good guy or an escaped murder .It is always good to keep hands on the wheel until the officer tells you what to do. Opening all the windows is a good start if it is just pushing a button now leaning over to unroll a window ummm dome light on again a good idea it allows him to see inside
Imagine your him a dark night you approach a car with dark windows you stand to the side of the driver door avoiding the door should it be shoved open and hit you .All of a sudden windows start going down

Airborneguy · Sep 16, 2016

All if possible is always a good thing. Of course the weather needs to be taken into account. I'd never expect anyone to lower all their windows for me in the rain.

Cleck · Sep 16, 2016

Also @Airborneguy since you asked first, I'll ask this, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

If I'm carrying when I get pulled over, do you like me to declare before I reach for my papers once you ask for them, "I'm permitted to carry concealed and am doing so today" (or something similar)? Or something to the tune of, "I'm licensed to carry and my wallet is on the same side as my pistol"?

Or would you rather not know? I know that sounds bad, but if you know, does your mind automatically go somewhere else other than the speeding ticket/unsafe lane change/etc that you pulled me over for?

I think it's more like the light/tint situation. The more you know and can see, the better. I know some people think they don't need to disclose that, but since I only have to answer if you ask first, I always wonder what LE officers think about that.

NirvanaFan · Sep 16, 2016

Obviously, I'm not @Airborneguy , but I'll answer how I would do it.

If they don't know you're carrying, there's no need to tell them unless it may become visible.
If you carry your wallet in your back right pocket, and you have to lean forward to get it out, you may want to tell them. If you're carrying your wallet in your cargo pant pocket, then there isn't any need.
If they ask you to step out of the car, tell them before you get out.
If you have to pull the registration out of the glove box and may expose the pistol doing so, tell them first.

Basically, don't let them find out by seeing it on you. But, there's no need to tell them unless they'll see it.

GOPerfect · Sep 16, 2016

The tint issue, absolutely, windows down makes the traffic stop all that easier for all involved. No one likes to be stopped. I get that. Why not ease as many tensions as possible?

The gun issue, from a regular guys point of view, except State Troopers, I inform all Law Enforcement when I am stopped that I am armed. As they approach, I give a greeting, they ask for my I'd and prior to retrieving my wallet, I say casually that I am armed. It is only a respect thing...

I have been given a good solid warning in the past because I informed. There are a lot of very pro gun cops out there. Sometimes it can't hurt.

Podmonkey · Sep 16, 2016

Requirements for informing Police of ones carry status varyies from state to state I believe. If I'm not required to tell and if I'm not getting out of the car I'm not saying anything. There are pro gun cops but also some very nervous ones too.

GOPerfect · Sep 16, 2016

Absolutely. I try to guage all my responses as quickly as possible.

Marine Cpl · Sep 16, 2016

I don't play the averages game. It only takes one and you are drawn upon and ordered to step out and on the ground for his safety. I value my safety as well. Every department has that one guy in ten that fears the armed citizenry.

Unless there is suspicion of a crime committed, NY cops cannot inquire about firearms anyway at a routine traffic stop.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...ourt-Ruling-Founded-Suspicious-184000001.html

Greywolf224 · Sep 16, 2016

I run heavily tinted windows. Not to impress anyone cause I don't care to impress anyone but because my BMW is completely black on the inside and the heat becomes a nightmare to deal with.
Anyhow when pulled over I immediately turn on interior lights to which I purposely replaced the bulbs with high intensity LED's and open all windows while keeping my hands on the steering wheel.
I have never been pulled over while CCW'ing so I honestly do not know what I would do. But I think I would sway to the side of notifying the officer that "I am licensed to be armed and carry my firearm on the rear of my right hip, and my wallet is in my rear left pocket. Would you like for me to reach for my wallet?"

Put yourself in their position. These guys are nervous also when pulling people over. And we all want to go home at some point.

togmaster · Sep 16, 2016

I thought tinted windows were invented because of ugly people?

Greywolf224 · Sep 16, 2016

togmaster said:
I thought tinted windows were invented because of ugly people?

You are correct...so that they dont see me laughing at them as I drive by! :driving:

Airborneguy · Sep 16, 2016

I've never seen the need to randomly ask about or be told about a firearm in a vehicle. If I ask, there's a reason why I'm asking: the person's behavior, known info, recent crime, description, etc.

I don't see any benefit to knowing that law abiding citizen is carrying. But the odds of me ever writing someone who randomly offers that info to me are very slim so...

Cleck · Sep 16, 2016

Willjr75 said:
I don't play the averages game. It only takes one and you are drawn upon and ordered to step out and on the ground for his safety. I value my safety as well. Every department has that one guy in ten that fears the armed citizenry.

Unless there is suspicion of a crime committed, NY cops cannot inquire about firearms anyway at a routine traffic stop.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/loca...ourt-Ruling-Founded-Suspicious-184000001.html

Interesting, I didn't know that. I wonder if that changed? When I was younger, I got pulled over for speeding more and was asked more than once if I had any weapons on me or in my vehicle. Recently though (as of a few years ago), I haven't been asked.

Also, NY is one of the only states where you have to tell them only if you're asked. So I guess it's really up to you, but you don't have to say anything. I'm just being overly cautious I suppose. Either way, good to hear opinions from others, LE included.

Greywolf224 · Sep 16, 2016

Airborneguy said:
But the odds of me ever writing someone who randomly offers that info to me are very slim so...

Airborn, curious, call me stupid but not completely understanding.
Would you see it as bribe if I offered you the info without being asked on a routine stop? Or as a positive, meaning i'm just going above and beyond what my rights are to inform you just so that you don't feel like I am going to withhold anything from you?

Podmonkey · Sep 16, 2016

I really think its best, unless it is required by law, to not volunteer that you are carrying. If asked I would answer, I have a CCW permit and yes I am carrying, it is at such and such place on my person. And I would keep my hands as far away from the carry location as possible.

Marine Cpl · Sep 16, 2016

Would anyone here inform of their buck knife or can of pepper spray at a routine traffic stop for speeding or rolling a stop sign?

If the answer is no, what makes a concealed handgun any different?

You don't mean the officer any harm so how is informing him looking out for his safety?

If you are concerned for YOUR safety, don't you think introducing a firearm into the mix for a speeding ticket increases the chances for something happening to you?

That's how I see it anyway.

Darth · Sep 16, 2016

I know you said don't, but your second to last line is exactly the best way to handle these situations, as has played out ad nauseum.

It is in no way your "job" to make some cop "feel comfortable." They aren't my friend, and I don't see anyone offering to strip naked to "ease tensions", so no. It's absolutely none of their business what is in my vehicle.

Phauxtoe · Sep 16, 2016

I have been pulled over a number of times over the years. i have never known if and when i would be asked to get out of the car.
If i was carrying i would hand over my CCW permit with my DL. (i was told long ago to never use the word "gun")
because once you are asked to get out, they dont like to have a conversation.

NirvanaFan · Sep 16, 2016

Phauxtoe said:
I have been pulled over a number of times over the years. i have never known if and when i would be asked to get out of the car.
If i was carrying i would hand over my CCW permit with my DL. (i was told long ago to never use the word "gun")
because once you are asked to get out, they dont like to have a conversation.

"Would you please step out of the car?"
"Yes sir, I will. For your safety, I want to inform you that I am licensed to carry a firearm and am doing so at this time. How do you want me to proceed?"

Let the officer take it from there.

Random question. How often are people asked to get out of the car if they've only committed a basic traffic infraction (speeding, rolling a stop sign, right on red where they can't, etc)?

Greywolf224 · Sep 16, 2016

NirvanaFan said:
Random question. How often are people asked to get out of the car if they've only committed a basic traffic infraction (speeding, rolling a stop sign, right on red where they can't, etc)?

I was driving my old 87' Dodge RamCharger with 35" tires. Steering box was shot to hell and the truck easily swayed on the road. Trooper tailed me for a while and I knew he was there. After being pulled over he said I crossed the double yellow a few times and thought I was swerving due to being drunk even though I tried explaining it to him what the reason was. He only believed me after the breathalyzer test. I was not carrying at the time. But if I was and did not inform him till I exited the truck, I think things would have been much worse. He already had made up his mind I was drunk so why add more surprises later.
He let me go with a "please be careful"

Marine Cpl · Sep 16, 2016

So you think if you were carrying, he would have charged you with DWI anyway for not informing him a minute or two prior?

Greywolf224 · Sep 16, 2016

Willjr75 said:
So you think if you were carrying, he would have charged you with DWI anyway for not informing him a minute or two prior?

No. Obviously he could not have because I passed the test with flying colors and I had not drank any alcohol for days prior.
Again, I don't think that it can hurt to be forthcoming. I think the situation has a better chance of escalating by not saying anything should you get the wrong LEO and he has an ax to grind.
But than again if he does have an ax to grind he will bust your balls whether you tell him or not.
That's my choice. Not saying exercising your right to keep silent is wrong.

Airborneguy · Sep 16, 2016

Greywolf224 said:
Airborn, curious, call me stupid but not completely understanding.
Would you see it as bribe if I offered you the info without being asked on a routine stop? Or as a positive, meaning i'm just going above and beyond what my rights are to inform you just so that you don't feel like I am going to withhold anything from you?

Of course not. I'd probably say that's great to hear and thanks for telling me and leave it at that.

dsdmmat · Sep 16, 2016

I try not to get pulled over. It is a waste of my time and the officer's.

Marine Cpl · Sep 16, 2016

As I've gotten older, I've realized it's not really worth it. The most I go is Ten over and that's only in ridiculous places where the speed limit is 50 like in the Palisades Parkway.

On a 30 to an hour drive, speeding only saves you minutes.

dsdmmat · Sep 16, 2016

Willjr75 said:
As I've gotten older, I've realized it's not really worth it. The most I go is Ten over and that's only in ridiculous places where the speed limit is 50.

On a 30 to an hour drive, speeding only saves you minutes.

my philosophy on speeding.
There are really only 3-4 places I go anymore, home, work, the range and the gun store. I am not in a hurry to get to work or home so I don't speed. If I speed going to the range and I get pulled over, I will get there later than I would have if I didn't speed. If I get pulled over going to the gun store it will cost me the money I was going to spend at the gun store. No sense in speeding anywhere anymore. It is not like I have to impress a girl or anyone else for that matter.

Saltwater60 · Sep 17, 2016

I have not been very good at it, but I have been trying to put my wallet in between my legs while I'm driving. That way if i am pulled over I don't have to reach exactly where my gun is to get my wallet. If you have to reach where your gun is for your wallet you'd better tell them before you move. I would also have my hands remain unmoved on the steering wheel while disclosing that.

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