I haven't been stopped in years, and have only been CCW for the past 1.5 years, but I personally don't have a problem with letting an officer know right up front that I'm carrying. I just don't see the problem with doing so, but I can visualize all kinds of problems in NOT doing so.
And all this macho bravado and chest-puffing about "rights", "there's no legal reason to inform", "my guns aren't the government's business", "all cops are out to get ya", and etc., all that is just insane, IMO. You're dealing with an armed Police Officer that can make your life a living Hell if you push his buttons the wrong way. Whether it's legal or not, or charges will stick or get thrown out, that's all immaterial to ME. It's still going to cost me LOTS of money and time, possibly even my job.
I just want the encounter to go down quick and peacefully, and I personally feel that my honesty will be to my benefit. Keeping my armed status a secret from an officer would not give me the warm, fuzzy feeling that being open and above board with him would.
Just my opinion, no flames please. Y'all do it your way, and I'll do it mine.
And all this macho bravado and chest-puffing about "rights", "there's no legal reason to inform", "my guns aren't the government's business", "all cops are out to get ya", and etc., all that is just insane, IMO. You're dealing with an armed Police Officer that can make your life a living Hell if you push his buttons the wrong way. Whether it's legal or not, or charges will stick or get thrown out, that's all immaterial to ME. It's still going to cost me LOTS of money and time, possibly even my job.
I just want the encounter to go down quick and peacefully, and I personally feel that my honesty will be to my benefit. Keeping my armed status a secret from an officer would not give me the warm, fuzzy feeling that being open and above board with him would.
Just my opinion, no flames please. Y'all do it your way, and I'll do it mine.