What To Do If You Get Pulled Over

[Insp Evans]

I realize that the Minnesota shooting thread is closed until more details are available, but I thought I'd post this "What to do" information from the Wisconsin CCW web site.

The state has no specific law that states how to engage the officer, but they do have a recommended procedure. Although it is written regarding the driver, it is equally applicable to passengers, put your hands on the dash board instead of the steering wheel. I wish all the states would uniformize the procedure.

"What should I do if I have a CCW license and I have contact with a law enforcement officer while in possession of a concealed weapon?

While the law does not impose any specific requirements other than displaying a photo ID and CCW license upon request of a law enforcement officer, there are some recommended actions you should take when you have contact with a law enforcement officer. Contact can include a traffic or other stop and situations where you contact an
officer or when an officer approaches you for information or otherwise. If you have CCW license and you have contact with a law enforcement officer while carrying a concealed weapon, you should do the following:

1. Immediately tell the officer that you're carrying a concealed weapon and where it's located.
2. Keep your hands where the officer can see them.
3. Cooperate fully with the officer.
4. Don't make any quick movements, especially toward the weapon.
5. If you're in a vehicle:
• Roll down your window and place your hands in plain view on the steering wheel
• If it is at night, turn on the vehicle's dome light.
• Calmly tell the officer you have a CCW license and that you have a weapon with you. Ask the officer if they have particular instructions concerning the weapon.
• Do not touch or attempt to touch the weapon unless specifically told to do so by the officer.
• Do not leave your vehicle unless specifically told to do so by the officer.
In certain circumstances, a law enforcement officer may ask to take temporary possession of the weapon or may seize the weapon during interaction with the individual to ensure the safety of the officer and others or to secure the weapon as evidence. The
officer will return the weapon at the end of the stop unless the individual is placed under arrest for a violation of the law that allows the weapon to be seized."

The only thing I would change is to tell the officer that you are a CCW
holder first. If you tell the officer first that you have a concealed weapon, he may assume you are a threat.

 

[General Geoff]

I do not volunteer that I am carrying in my home state of Pennsylvania (no duty to inform). The officer does NOT need to know. If he specifically asks me if I'm carrying a gun, I'll tell him then and not before.

 

[ljnowell]

In IL I do not have a duty to inform, unless asked directly. I do not volunteer information.

 

[bikerdoc]

Here the ltc is hooked to your licence so the cop already knows once he runs the plates.

When I was on the job and in all the classes I have taught I advise.
Hands on the steering wheel (dome light at night.)

Say,

Hello Officer, for your safety and mine I am armed. It is located ..........How do you wish to proceed.
Sit still and follow the ensuing instructions, precisely.

Most times when when I encountered a ccw that did I would say thank you, and just give a warning.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

I advise against "telling the officer verbally" that you have a gun.

I will follow Mass' advice myself and would advise others to do the same, regardless of whether you are required by law. DL, CHP and registration in hand with hands on the wheel before the officer even gets out of his car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT-nePQuT-s

 

[Old Fuff]

In some states you are supposed to inform the officer that you have a concealed weapons license or permit and are carrying a weapon. In other states you don't have to.

But it is highly probably that when the officer leaves his/her car they have already been informed that you have a license and are probably armed by the dispatcher. Even when it's not legally required, being immediately up front about the situation can reduce tensions - sometimes substantially so depending on how much experience the officer has.

Consider that the officer would really like to go home in one piece when the shift is over, and as a consequence may overreact if they feel seriously endangered. How you act and what you do can make a big difference.

 

[Valkman]

We have no duty to inform in NV but I was taught at CCW class that you should IMMEDIATELY inform the officer that you are carrying and I have done so the one time I was stopped. I believe I will continue this practice, I would not like to see what happens if you don't inform and he finds out you are carrying.

 

[Sarge7402]

First you are a fool not to tell the officer that you have a ccw and that you are carrying. Having worked the road for over 15 years I can tell you that you may not think your info will come back but most states have that information that comes across to our MDT's or thru our dispatcher.
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Have had quite a number of folks tell me and we were good including the girl with the suspended license. The dude from North Carolina who - while I was back in the Cruiser writing the speeding ticket - that placed the loaded pistol on the dash so he wouldn't be charged with CCW without a permit got one very stern lecture.

He got his pistol back in about ten pieces- pistol, magazine and about 8 cartridges.

 

[Plan2Live]

First, practice avoidance, meaning slow down! The last time this topic came up a lot of members here bragged about their lead foot. What are you, 12?

Second, you are on the side of the road with a marked patrol car behind with lights flashing and 9 time out of 10 you know why. 10 times out of 10 you know what they are going to ask you for when they arrive at your window so pull your wallet out and have it in the dashboard before they arrive at your window. Pull your registration off your sun visor, which is where it should instead of in your glove box or center console. Windows down, radio off, engine off, hands on the wheel at 10 & 2. If you are in a state with a duty to inform, tell the officer you have a CWP, CHL, whatever and you have IT with you. Not gun, not weapon, not armed, you have IT with you.

Third do as you told, repeat the command and move slowly with hands in plain sight. It goes real easy after all that.

 

[Louca]

In Michigan the law is pretty clear. You have to tell the officer that you have a CPL and whether or not you are carrying a firearm. I had a traffic incident a while back where I unknowingly cut off an officer by an inappropriately lane change. After he laid on his horn he then turned on his lights and pulled me over.

So here's the order I did things: I pulled over to the side of the road, stopping the vehicle. I turned on all the interior lights. I rolled down my window and put both hands on the wheel in the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. My wife was with me so I instructed her not to open the glove box, even though that is where the registration was and I knew the officer would need it. When the officer got to the car, he asked for drivers license and proof of insurance. I then told him, "Sir, I need to inform you that I am a CPL holder and I do not have a firearm on my person nor is there one in the vehicle." I then told him my registration was in the glove box and asked his permission to open it. I then told him that my drivers license was in my wallet which was in my left rear pocket and ask him if it was OK for me to retrieve the license. I then handed him all three items of interest. I always addressed him as "officer" and my response to all questions ended with "sir."

My point behind mentioning all the details is to say I did whatever I could do to make the officer comfortable with me, my actions, and the situation.

Oh, and he let me go with only a warning.

 

[General Geoff]

First you are a fool not to tell the officer that you have a ccw and that you are carrying.

I don't trust the police, I'm not about to volunteer any information to them that I am not legally required to. An officer might (as recently shown in the news) just as soon shoot me for telling him I am legally armed, as he might shoot me for *not* telling him I'm armed.

 

[herkyguy]

I was pulled over a few weeks back in a rural county in NC. I missed a speed limit sign dropping it from 55 to 50. I was doing close to 65. I pulled over, rolled my drivers window down, kept my right hand on the wheel and left hand out the window draped on the door.

Cop approached, I told him I had a permit and gun on my right hip. He more or less just said, "ok, license and registration."

Long story short, got a ticket. That was the end of it. Cops are, for the most part, good people.

I carried a gun at one point as a federal LEO. so much is determined in the first few seconds of an encounter. In almost all of these shootings, the one being shot at disregards or outright disobeys a fairly benign instruction from a uniformed officer.

There is simply no excuse for that.

I can see a scenario where I would want to wait to pull over if it was an unmarked car and I was in the middle of nowhere. Same thing for 'plain-clothed' officer or agent in a questionable position, but in most of these instances of public outcry, it could have been avoided.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TJx]

My CCDW instructor, a FFDO and constable, told us never to touch your gun even if told to do so by the officer. He said if you were, respectively ask the officer to give you a felony pat-down to retrieve it that way. Lessens that chance of a mistake being made.
I think it''s pretty good advice.
Be real careful on how you tell them you have a gun that you are carrying legally.
Example, "I have a gun and by the way I have a permit for it". I've heard stories where the wrong wording didn't end well. Not shot, just a little intimacy with asphalt.
Regardless of the law, I still would inform them you are a permit holder and carrying. They appreciate it and it may very well get you out of a ticket. I think it did for me the one and only time pulled over as a CCDW holder.

 

[George Dickel]

As far as requiring everyone in the vehicle to place their hands on the dash when stopped, why not have everyone assume the position with hands on the hood and legs spread! Maybe drop your pants and spread your cheeks for a body cavity search. I am a law abiding citizen and if I'm being stopped on the highway by a police officer it will be for nothing more heinous than speeding a bit or a light out on the vehicle. That doesn't warrant me being treated like a mass murderer or armed robber when being stopped by the police.

I have read so many stories about police officers, when told by the individual that they are armed, asking for the firearm and removing the magazine or emptying the cylinder on a revolver. They act like they are more worried about a person legally carrying who passed a background check and received training on concealed carry as the afore mentioned mass murderer. Reality check police officers, a real mass murderer or armed robber poses a far greater threat and guess what, he wont' let you know he has a gun so you can take it and remove the ammunition.

Respect works both ways, just because I broke the speed limit or have a light out don't have an attitude like you found out I had sex with your wife or urinated into your coffee thermos. I worked as a Military Policeman for a number of years in the Army and I have respect and empathy for the police but your safety comes in second to mine.

 

[Predator55]

Even though I do not need to inform I think it's a show of respect to the officer and I would tell up front. Also, when I'm in the car I take my money clip which holds my licenses and put it in the center console. This way, if I'm pulled over and tell the officer my gun is on my hip,IWB, then I don't have to go into my pockets for my licenses. Each state has different rules as to tell or not to tell, therefore I just admit it up front. Friends who are cops say to inform and let them know, I have nothing to hide so I do.

 

[basicblur]

Rather than rewrite this to fit the forum, I'm just going to copy and paste a group e-mail I sent out to a number of friends earlier today:

By now I’m sure most of you have seen / heard about the shooting in Minnesota of a CHP holder. We don’t know all the facts, but it sure looks bad for the officer at this point.

https://www.facebook.com/100007611243538/videos/1690073837922975/?pnref=story?ftag=MSF0951a18

While we don’t know all the facts at this point, if you are a CHP (Concealed Handgun Permit) holder here are a few potentially life saving tips to prevent you from ending up in a similar situation.

1. NEVER mention the word GUN to a cop!
If true, you hear the girl say her boyfriend told the cop he had a gun. We don’t know exactly what was said (Officer, I have a firearm / gun / weapon, etc.), but Massad Ayoob has been preaching for years that you NEVER, NEVER, NEVER utter the word gun during a stop. Per his recommendation, I keep my CHP behind my DL (driver’s license) – every time I’ve been stopped, they always want to see my DL, so I keep my CHP in my wallet behind my DL. I never say a word – I just pull both the DL and CHP, place the CHP on TOP of the DL and had both to the cop and wait for his instructions.
The few times this has happened, officers seem to be confused when they see my CHP expecting to see the DL, but this is good – when he sees the CHP expecting to see a DL, ye olde brain engages as he sorts out what he’s looking at (instead of being on automatic while looking at your DL).

Don’t forget – in VA you do NOT have to notify (you’re carrying), but if the officer runs your tags he’s going to know you have a CHP. I don’t know if CHP’s show up in NC when an officer runs your tags, but in NC you DO have to notify the officer you are carrying.

Some folks are adamant that they will not notify if not required, but since we live on the VA / NC border, getting in the habit of notifying even when not required keeps me from forgetting I’m in NC or someplace else that does require notification.

The last time this happened to me (city PD) the officer thanked me for notifying him – I told him I view it as a “professional courtesy”, and would do so until the first time I’m given the third degree from a cop that thinks “civilians” shouldn’t be carry guns. The officer told me he didn’t know why some officers felt that way – maybe he’ll pass it on to some of his buddies and some that are anti-2nd Amendment will rethink their position?

Here’s a refresher video from Massad Ayoob that may save your life:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT-nePQuT-s

2. Do what the cop says!
Not that this will keep you safe, but many folks keep their hands on the wheel until instructed, and keep both their DL and CHP in their visor so their movement for their wallet is not confused as a move for a weapon, etc.
If what the girl in the video says is true, then her boyfriend was reaching for his DL as instructed by the cop.

Some of you may remember the young veteran / business owner / fitness enthusiast / CHP holder that was shot in a Reno Walmart parking lot a few years ago?

It seems someone saw him putting bottled water in a cooler (thinking he was shoplifting), but he says he was just putting the water in the cooler to make it easier to tote everything to the register. I believe the person that saw him also saw a gun on his hip – it was momentarily visible as he reached for the cooler on a top shelf.

I don’t know exactly what transpired AFA the shoplifting (and it’s not important) – what is important is as he was surrounded by a number of officers in the parking lot, apparently in the confusion of numerous simultaneous instructions from various officers, one of them told him to put his gun on the ground, and as he reached for it to comply, he was shot numerous times by numerous officers.

Tom Gresham says after studying this case, he’s decided if a cop ever tells him to do anything with his gun (like throw it on the ground), he’s not touching his gun! He’s simply going to lock his hands behind his head, go to his knees, and tell the officer he can relieve him of his gun but he’s NOT going to touch it.

As the Reno case apparently showed, when you’re surrounded by X number of cops, you’re probably going to be getting numerous instructions, often conflicting (drop your gun, don’t touch your gun, etc.).
If you comply with the one(?) cop that tells you to throw your gun on the ground, you may be shot by the other officers who did not hear the instructions for you to throw your gun on the ground, and view your movement as “going for your gun”!

 

[bikemutt]

I got pulled over a couple months ago in a speed enforcement zone, ironically on my way back from the range Anyway, we have no duty to inform in WA but when I handed him my license I also showed my CPL. He asked if I had weapons which I answered in the affirmative. He asked for my registration and proof of insurance. I told him those are locked in the safe which is located on the floor behind the passenger seat with a loaded handgun inside it. I asked if it was OK with him if I retrieved it from the safe. He said yes so I opened the safe, removed my loaded handgun, set it to the floor of the vehicle, then removed the papers and handed them to him. He returned to his patrol vehicle while I waited.

After about 5 minutes he returned, handed me my papers back and told me to consider the excess speed a verbal warning this time. I thanked him. He then went on to say that his decision not to cite, in large part, was based on his appreciation of me being a responsible gun owner who let him know I was lawfully armed, and what all the circumstances were.

In some ways I'm surprised he was OK with me pulling a loaded handgun from my car safe but then again, what other choice did I have, that's where I keep the papers locked up so if I ever do get car prowled the miscreants won't figure out where I live.

In any event, I had an in-law (he is tragically deceased way too young) who was a deputy sheriff, when I asked him how best to handle a stop he told me the number one thing is to keep my hands where the officer can see them. That's what I do. If my wallet happens to be in my back pocket, I'm going to confirm, in advance, that it's OK for me to retrieve it.

 

[Flfiremedic]

Here the ltc is hooked to your licence so the cop already knows once he runs the plates.

When I was on the job and in all the classes I have taught I advise.
Hands on the steering wheel (dome light at night.)

Say,

Hello Officer, for your safety and mine I am armed. It is located ..........How do you wish to proceed.
Sit still and follow the ensuing instructions, precisely.

Most times when when I encountered a ccw that did I would say thank you, and just give a warning.

This is the safest and smartest plan. Odds are in all of your twisting and turning to get wallet...proof of insurance...registration, you are gonna flash the weapon...or your posture alone will alert the officer. There is a world of difference in no duty to alert, and in it being a bad idea.

 

[dragon813gt]

I do not volunteer that I am carrying in my home state of Pennsylvania (no duty to inform). The officer does NOT need to know. If he specifically asks me if I'm carrying a gun, I'll tell him then and not before.

Same here. Until I have a legal responsibility to inform, I will not do so. They do not need to know if I am carrying. I'm always polite and do as they ask. Doing this goes a long way to keeping the officer at ease.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

We have no duty to inform in NV but I was taught at CCW class that you should IMMEDIATELY inform the officer that you are carrying and I have done so the one time I was stopped. I believe I will continue this practice, I would not like to see what happens if you don't inform and he finds out you are carrying.

I agree. There are plenty of video's on TheTube to see how things can quickly go wrong if they spot your firearm having not been informed.

And in the case of the subject at hand, things can go wrong even if you inform but don't do it right.

Never verbally inform the officer of your CCW status or whether or not "you have a gun". Have your ID/CHP/papers ready before hand and simply greet them and hand the documents over. From there the ball is in their court. Responses like "Yes I do have IT with me" and possibly where it is if asked, or "How would you like for me to proceed?" if the conversation continues, show complete compliance.

I personally never want to be reaching for anything if I'm CC'ing and stopped.


The same video I posted was posted again and I wonder if anyone has actually watched it...

 

[GBExpat]

Despite what the requirement may be at the time in VA, during a traffic stop, while keeping my hands resting loosely on top of the steering wheel, I plan on informing the officer that I have a CHP and I am armed and ask how he/she wishes to proceed.

Since getting my first CWP and carefully thinking thru all of the different aspects of this new set of Responsibilities, I have been convinced that that is the best way (for me, at least) to handle this type of scenario.

I do not want the officer to feel/be surprised and I want them to be as comfortable with/about me as possible.

 

[azrocks]

I carried a gun at one point as a federal LEO. so much is determined in the first few seconds of an encounter. In almost all of these shootings, the one being shot at disregards or outright disobeys a fairly benign instruction from a uniformed officer.

There is simply no excuse for that.

No excuse for that my behind.

There are plenty of excuses for that. Maybe the guy you're interacting with doesn't understand English. Maybe he's hearing impaired. Maybe he's mentally/emotionally ill. Maybe he's physically incapable of complying with a demand. Maybe the order is illegal. Maybe two or more police officers are yelling contradicting orders. Maybe, maybe, maybe.

The problem is that LE these days runs around with the attitude that anyone they detain must absolutely, positively comply right-freakin-now with any order they give, regardless of circumstance. They're so afraid (key word here) of losing control of the situation that they act like tyrants.

You know what there's no excuse for? Shooting a man dead because he was reaching to his pocket after being asked to provide ID.

 

[4thPointOfContact]

First you are a fool not to tell the officer that you have a ccw and that you are carrying. Having worked the road for over 15 years I can tell you that you may not think your info will come back but most states have that information that comes across to our MDT's or thru our dispatcher.

Have had quite a number of folks tell me and we were good including the girl with the suspended license. The dude from North Carolina who - while I was back in the Cruiser writing the speeding ticket - that placed the loaded pistol on the dash so he wouldn't be charged with CCW without a permit got one very stern lecture.

He got his pistol back in about ten pieces- pistol, magazine and about 8 cartridges.

First, I don't care what makes your job easier, especially when it only serves to make my life harder.
Second, I don't care what you think happens in 'most states' unless and until you can give a citation for those numbers.
Thirdly, I don't care how good your dispatchers or computer system is; in my state that information will NOT come back as it is a crime to make a database of license holders.
Lastly, the anecdote about the NC traveler? Big whoop; he got his property back, he reassembled it, he laughed all the way home.

Telling Officer Friendly that I have an item only serves to change the dynamics of the stop in unforeseen ways. Not telling him means the stop will likely go the same as if I don't have 'that item'. I'm playing the odds unless and until I decide it's necessary.

 

[Old Guy]

Well, let me put this in prospective. The average new hire in Police/Sheriff Depts. Are not scrapper's, if they were, they would not be hired!

Watch a couple of Cop Shows, you know, the ones with real Police, being trained, ride a long's, so many times, they arrive on scene, Pistol is drawn?

Running around with a gun in hand? Why. You arrive at the scene, one Officer, wrestling with a Suspect? On the road, next to a vehicle.

Now what do you do? Shoot someone, or holster your Pistol, then decide what to do. Do you remember the 21" ASP collapsible Baton? Select that tool from your belt, full power hit into the back of the calf, or thigh?

The resisting person wants to die! Next day, a nasty bruise only. Just one of the ways to get compliance, leave the Glock in the holster till it is a gun call.

I used to sell, and train with those useful tools.

 

[Valkman]

Quote:


Originally Posted by Valkman View Post

We have no duty to inform in NV but I was taught at CCW class that you should IMMEDIATELY inform the officer that you are carrying and I have done so the one time I was stopped. I believe I will continue this practice, I would not like to see what happens if you don't inform and he finds out you are carrying.

I agree. There are plenty of video's on TheTube to see how things can quickly go wrong if they spot your firearm having not been informed.

And in the case of the subject at hand, things can go wrong even if you inform but don't do it right.

Never verbally inform the officer of your CCW status or whether or not "you have a gun". Have your ID/CHP/papers ready before hand and simply greet them and hand the documents over. From there the ball is in their court. Responses like "Yes I do have IT with me" and possibly where it is if asked, or "How would you like for me to proceed?" if the conversation continues, show complete compliance.

I personally never want to be reaching for anything if I'm CC'ing and stopped.


The same video I posted was posted again and I wonder if anyone has actually watched it...

You are right, and if you do not tell the officer you are carrying and he tells you to get out it can be spotted. I got stopped on the Hoover Dam once because I had a tonneau cover on my truck and they had to look in it. I got out and opened it and the cop there said "are you carrying a gun?". He was casual about it and never moved his hands so I showed him my CCW and then he wanted to BS a while.