CCW permit concern

[stageman]

I am considering getting a CCW permit and was wondering if there is any concern at being identified to the authorities as a potential gun owner?
I was raised not to openly discuss the fact that guns were in the house so as not to make it an attractive target for burglaries, etc. Is there potential for abuse here or am I being overly cautious?

 

[huntsman]

I waited until Ohio changed it's law about publicly posting gun owners names, and I wasn't thrilled to find out that my state has my drivers license "flagged" because of my CCW.

So I understand you concerns.

 

[jfh]

Heh. Here in MN, I got my carry permit two-plus years ago. I renewed my DL last January--normal, every 4 years--and discovered that my new license arrived with a new number that begins with "G" The fact that I have a carry permit is also flagged in the call-in database for LEOs. MN has no requirement to advise LEOs.

Jim H.

 

[hak]

I know somone who's reasoning for not getting their CHL was "to avoid being on a list, any list that ID's me as a gunowner". I think the ability to CCW outweighs that, personally.

I'm in VA, and it's flagged in the police file. I was pulled over 2 months ago for an inspection fail sticker (temp sticker while we did brake work to pass inspection). He said he wanted to check the date. After confirming we were 'clean', he came back with lic&registration in his left hand, and his right hand on his sidearm and asked: "are you armed". I happened to be going to a dinner/bar and was planning on having a beer with my wife, so i was not, but found the question out of the blue, based on the lookup annoying.

 

[SFB]

Well ultimately if you have a permit to CC someone at the state level knows and I guess the FBI since they ran a background check on you. I'm not really to concerned about that though. Here in Florida it is not public information who or who does not have a CCW permit and it is also seperate database when the police pull you over so they wouldn't know unless they specifically looked to see if you had a CCW permit. Ultimately "they" only know I have a CCW permit. Not what guns I have, if any.

 

[stageman]

Thanks for the replies. Pretty much in line with my feelings. Any opinions from LEOs out there about dealings with citizens who you know have a CCW?

 

[Claude Clay]

someone who knows an awful lot about you and you know next to nothing about him----

your mailman

besides computers listing in for key words on phone [ and cell phones] we are monitored by security cameras in parking lots and inside buildings.

'who ever' wants info on you--its in a data base put there by minimum wage people who are often looking and remembering what they are processing.
secrecy----baa

 

[zoom6zoom]

Well, if you're in Fredericksburg, you can count on your new permit status being published in the Free Lance Star.

 

[CCWB]

I miss the big deal about a LEO asking or knowing you have a CCL. He/she puts their life at risk for us all. tyou optd to get the CCL, so why not demonstrate the respect you so desire, and just fork over the CCL when(if) you get pulled over. Honestly, if I were an LEO, and some dip wad didn't give me the CCL, I'd prob be a jerk because he/she didn't respect me by furnishing a CCL.

in VA, it is advised to keep both hands in sight, on the wheel and to fork it over with your DL. The last thing I want is grief from an LEO's adrenaline or testosterone rush.

if you warrant respect, show respect.

 

[BP Hunter]

I would have to assert the fact that CCW permit holders will go through an background check, federally and locally. If passed, you will be labeled as "the good guy" - no criminal records, not a felon, not an illegal alien, a law abiding citizen. In my book, that's what LEO's are comfortable with. But if you are pulled over, yes, keep both of your hands on the steering wheel, and if it is at night, turn on your cabin lights to let them know that you will cooperate.

Being a CCW permit holder will put you on the list of a gun owners, but at least it's on the side of the "good guys" list.

 

[CCWB]

+1 B P Hunter, about that light on at night. I never really gave it much thought. In my 2 stops (at night of all times), I tried to get out my CCW , DL, and registration so I can have my hands in view ASAP.

 

[Guns and more]

Yes, it is a real concern.

I would have to assert the fact that CCW permit holders will go through an background check, federally and locally. If passed, you will be labeled as "the good guy" - no criminal records, not a felon, not an illegal alien, a law abiding citizen.

I'm talking about when the feds make it a crime to own a gun. Then your house will be the first they visit.

 

[SFB]

Yes, it is a real concern. I'm talking about when the feds make it a crime to own a gun. Then your house will be the first they visit.

I tend to agree.. however, i won't be sitting at my house waiting for them to come get my guns if that happens.

 

[hammerklavier]

he came back with lic&registration in his left hand, and his right hand on his sidearm and asked: "are you armed".

He was all set to arrest you if you said "yes," for not informing him.

 

[danbrew]

...I'd prob be a jerk because he/she didn't respect me by furnishing a CCL...

if you warrant respect, show respect.

While nice, of course, there is no requirement to be "nice". There's no call to be a jerk, and you certainly get more with honey than vinegar, but if you aren't obligated to disclose, why would you? Your own statement is proof enough of why some folks don't feel the need to disclose. If not required by law, I won't disclose I'm carrying. If the cop, who is doing a tough and demanding job, actually makes a decision about how he treats me based upon whether or not I am armed, **** him. He's ill suited for the job and shouldn't be a cop.

That's my humble $0.02.

 

[CU74]

........any concern at being identified to the authorities as a potential gun owner?

A POTENTIAL gun owner?? How many CCW holders do you know who are NOT gun owners? If one does not own a gun, why would one get a concealed carry permit?

As far as the "authorities" knowing you have a gun, if you bought it from a FFL the Feds already know you are a gun owner whether you also have a CCW or not.

IMHO, some of us spend way too much time worrying about black helicopters and SWAT teams and not enough time preparing to defend ourselves against the common criminals around us.:banghead: Dump the tinfoil hats and buy more guns, (and ammunition - lots of ammunition); find a good instructor and get some training; practice with your guns; buy more ammunition; practice some more; repeat ..........

 

[franconialocal]

New Hampshire is a pretty good state for it's gun laws and as a LEO here I will only say this; I have more important things to do than worry about who has a CCW permit because if you've made it through the process of getting it, chances are you are a decent law-abiding fellow. But this is NH, and every state is different with required notification, posting on your drivers lic., etc.

How do I feel about dealing with CCW permit holders?? I love it. They are always respectul, forthright, and easy to deal with, partially because in NH it can be taken away as easily as it was issued in the event of a problem, and review by the issuing authority. I can tell you for a fact that our permits, other than the standard background check, never leave the PD. They don't get forwarded to the State Police, they don't go to the FBI, ATF or otherwise. They stay in house and locked in the Chief's files. Re-up in four years. If you move from the community that issued the permit you need to advise the PD of the community that you moved TO if still in NH. Really just a formality and not a big deal.

I wouldn't worry so much about it my friend.

 

[stageman]

Thanks for the reply, franconialocal. That is the insight I was looking for. As for tin foil hats and black-op swat teams,cu74, not so much a worry for me. I was more concerned with gun-owner information being public knowledge through the action of the authorities (see post #8) and having my home become a target for burglary. If the guns in question are inherited, then nobody has a record of your ownership of firearms. In that case, as far as any governmental agency is concerned, one is a potential gun owner.

 

[ny32182]

If the government is out to get you, your mere posting on this forum identifies you as a gun owner.

If you've ever bought a gun through an FFL, you are now identified as a gun owner...

In short, you're already on the hit list. Might as well get ready for it.

I don't know what the notification requirements are in VA (this will certainly vary by state). In SC I have to inform by law, but if I didn't, I wouldn't.

 

[Baneblade]

In Arizona CCW status is included on the MVD database. However, when we (any LEO in AZ) run our usual wants/warrants/DL check it does not come up. We have to request one step farther on the check. So on a normal stop we are not advised of a CCW.

Also, in AZ you are not obligated to advise the LEO of a weapon (concealed or not) unless asked. I advise people to keep quiet unless asked. Most officers are friendly towards CCW holders. But some are not...

As far as I am concerned "CCW Holder" is code word for backup. The majority of CCW "citizens" wouldn't hesitate to help me if I was in need. Many that I have spoken with regard "officer in trouble" right up there with "robbery in progress" and consider it a long awaited opportunity to help. Of course this doesn't apply to ALL CCW holders, but definately a majority.

I also agree with a previous statement regarding a firearm purchase from an FFL. If you have EVER in your life purchased a firearm from an FFL you are on a list (per se). If the Federal government ever decided to come for our guns, most of us who visit this site will be contacted regarding our firearm ownership.

Anyhow, I already sold all of my guns. Didn't you?
No you can't search my house without a warrant.
How about I call my local law enforcement and have them verify you are a federal agent?
Remember, be polite, but don't allow yourself to be bullied or have your rights stripped without due course.

 

[Baneblade]

Okay, I didn't want to give bad information so I just called up to dispatch to make sure I was right. Turns out I was mostly correct. I gave you good info in the last post, but the check I thought we did was wrong.

In Arizona an Officer has to request a specific check in ACIC for CCW status. CCW status does not come up in any other check and the CCW status check only provides information on CCW status.

Hope that helps to clarify... at least for AZ.

 

[stageman]

Thanks, Baneblade. Good points. I do believe that responsible gun owners want to be a positive force in our society. Any Northern Virginia officers want to chime in?

 

[bdickens]

Cue the X Files theme....

 

[mljdeckard]

Absolutely it will put you on a list. This list is a statement to anyone concerned that we take our rights and our safety seriously and we are growing. TO ME, this does more good to our cause than 'refusing to surrender to the tyrants who have us convinced that our rights are granted by the whim of the government when we apply for a permit.'

 

[gym]

I was called into the Human Resources office about 8 years ago, and asked why I had a pistol license. This about a week or two after starting a job at an internet company in Boca Raton fl. It was short lived and the only one of two times I had worked for anyone other than myself. But they caught me by surprise with that question, since I was already hired, and I couldn't believe the guy called me in and was nasty to boot. I answered him with why did he feel it was any of his business? The rest of the story doesn’t really pertain to your question, but apparently if someone is running a thorough background check it will come up. So when you say authorities, it could mean anyone really. Now with the technology being as evasive as it is, anyone can find just about anything online in minutes.