usp_fan
Member
I thought I'd relate an experience I recently had with an OH State Trooper. His actions and comments were interesting concerning CCW and the requirement for the weapon to be "in plain sight" when you are in a vehicle.
I had the opportunity to be pulled over in Henry County on ST Rt 6 about 15 miles East of Edgerton. The trooper told me I'd had been oing over 63 mph but didn't say how fast. He asked for my Licence, reg. & ins. I said sure, and then said, "When you run my plates, you'll notice I have a CCW. I'm not carrying today because I'm on my way to one of our plants."
He said thanks for telling me, took my papers and said, "I'm going to issue a warning, I'll be right back."
He came back with my warning and then asked how long it had taken me to get the CCW throught Wood County. I told him an he told me some stories about pulling over other CCW holders. He seemed to want to talk so I asked about his interpretation of the "plain sight" req.
He said their attourney had told them they could arrest you if any part of your arm was touching the gun (hand to elbow) and to avoid wearing it on the hip. He said their CSI people usually just throw them on the dash. I mentioned that I'd be in violation of the "on the body" requirement and I didn't have a glove compartment to lock it in. Then he recommended that I stuff it down the front of my pants Gansta style. I indicated I'd probably not feel safe with that solution.
Finally he said to at least move my hip holster as far forward on my right hip as I could so as to be visible.
One thing that I took away from this is they really don't know how to enforce this, and although this trooper was interested and polite (he most likely let me out of a ticket due to my mentioning my CCW) I may not be as lucky in the future.
This individual assured me that they were going to use good judgement and common sense. I'm a little hesitant to rely on each trooper interpreting the law using his/her own version of common sense. I guess I may just have to invest in cruise control for my Jetta.
Overall, it was a good interaction--made better by not getting a ticket and having some good conversation with a nice and professional officer.
--usp_fan
I had the opportunity to be pulled over in Henry County on ST Rt 6 about 15 miles East of Edgerton. The trooper told me I'd had been oing over 63 mph but didn't say how fast. He asked for my Licence, reg. & ins. I said sure, and then said, "When you run my plates, you'll notice I have a CCW. I'm not carrying today because I'm on my way to one of our plants."
He said thanks for telling me, took my papers and said, "I'm going to issue a warning, I'll be right back."
He came back with my warning and then asked how long it had taken me to get the CCW throught Wood County. I told him an he told me some stories about pulling over other CCW holders. He seemed to want to talk so I asked about his interpretation of the "plain sight" req.
He said their attourney had told them they could arrest you if any part of your arm was touching the gun (hand to elbow) and to avoid wearing it on the hip. He said their CSI people usually just throw them on the dash. I mentioned that I'd be in violation of the "on the body" requirement and I didn't have a glove compartment to lock it in. Then he recommended that I stuff it down the front of my pants Gansta style. I indicated I'd probably not feel safe with that solution.
Finally he said to at least move my hip holster as far forward on my right hip as I could so as to be visible.
One thing that I took away from this is they really don't know how to enforce this, and although this trooper was interested and polite (he most likely let me out of a ticket due to my mentioning my CCW) I may not be as lucky in the future.
This individual assured me that they were going to use good judgement and common sense. I'm a little hesitant to rely on each trooper interpreting the law using his/her own version of common sense. I guess I may just have to invest in cruise control for my Jetta.
Overall, it was a good interaction--made better by not getting a ticket and having some good conversation with a nice and professional officer.
--usp_fan