entropy
Member
I live in WI and have had 2 such encounters. Neither time did the officer ask, nor did I volunteer that I was carrying. I was raised by a cop, so I know the drill otherwise; hands in plain view, don't get out license until told, follow directions, don't talk back, and be courteous; Yes Sir, Ma'am, etc. It goes a long way towards a smooth interaction.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.
Both encounters resulted in warnings; one, muffler, the other, tabs.