Does a CCW make you a Target?

[expvideo]

Absolutely. Having been pulled over several times (I used to speed a lot. Not anymore) while CCing, I can tell you from personal experience that it depends entirely on the officer. I've had officers who don't care at all. I've had officers let me off the ticket because they appreciated that I let them know I had a weapon. I've had officers who took my gun and ran my serial numbers. I've had officers who called for backup, delayed me for 30 minutes, had me step out of the car and acted as if they were arresting me.

It varies entirely on the officer, but yes. Just having a weapon (regardless of if you say anything about it) can get you a lot of harassment from the police. My advice is to not say anything about it, but they are able to see that you have a CCW permit when they run your plates, before they ever get to your window. Some cops are nice about it, some cops don't care, and some cops will all but place you in handcuffs.

ETA:
I should also mention that I'm not a suspicious looking person, and I act like your average Joe. I don't give off a "gun nut" vibe, or anything either. Usually people are surprised to find out that I carry. So we aren't talking about me acting like a weirdo and making the cops want to look further into my situation.

 

[esq_stu]

I said maybe. In my experience, LEOs have been totally fine. Sometimes the subject comes up in casual conversation and there are those that support it and those that are afraid of it.

A cousin of mine just yesterday said something like "I know you and you are normal so it would not bother me if you carry a gun, but if everyone carried, it would be like the old west." I pointed out that the old west was not like the movies and TV, which he acknowledged, but yet, that is the image in his mind.

I have to give some of the blame for our problems to TV, TV news and Hollywood. That may be the place to focus our efforts.

 

[GEM]

No problems in my part of Texas.

 

[mljdeckard]

I flipped through the other responses, and I agree with what I read. Remember, every time a cop pulls you over, he is hoping to bust you for something more than speeding or a taillight, the rationale being, "If he's irresponsible enough to not take care of his car, maybe he's also irresponsible enough to ignore an old bench warrant." When they see the permit, they know this is highly unlikely. (I also have veteran plates on my car. I think this has gotten me out of a couple of tickets as well.) When I rarely get pulled over, it usually winds up turning into a conversation about why I like my 1911 better than the cop's Glock. I actually bumped into one of them at the range later and let him shoot it.

When you get a permit, your perspective about the law should change. You are under the microscope. You become aware that there are people in this country who desperately want you to screw up and hurt someone. They want you to justify their fears about all of us. You can't be average anymore about following the law. You must be better. This is why CCW holders are the segment of society least likely to commit a crime. Use the middle lane, let people pass you. Don't burn through that yellow light. Avoid bringing attention to yourself. Look for a back door. You'll get the idea.

In Utah, CCW holders are sealed.

 

[Deanimator]

Most problems with the police that I've heard about involve open carry.

I'm not worried about being harassed by the police. It isn't likely to happen where I live. If it happens somewhere else, that's just money for me to retire on. If you're a cop and you feel some need to misbehave toward me or you're a city law director and don't have control over your public security people, here are three concepts to master:

I hate bullies.

I hold grudges.

I have absolutely no sense of proportion.

 

[Deanimator]

Absolutely. Having been pulled over several times (I used to speed a lot. Not anymore) while CCing, I can tell you from personal experience that it depends entirely on the officer. I've had officers who don't care at all. I've had officers let me off the ticket because they appreciated that I let them know I had a weapon. I've had officers who took my gun and ran my serial numbers. I've had officers who called for backup, delayed me for 30 minutes, had me step out of the car and acted as if they were arresting me.

It varies entirely on the officer, but yes. Just having a weapon (regardless of if you say anything about it) can get you a lot of harassment from the police. My advice is to not say anything about it, but they are able to see that you have a CCW permit when they run your plates, before they ever get to your window. Some cops are nice about it, some cops don't care, and some cops will all but place you in handcuffs.

In Ohio, you HAVE to notify if you're carrying. It's the law.

You DON'T have to notify if you're not, although some cops seem to think that you do. If I'm not carrying, I wouldn't notify, PERIOD. The law is what matters, not the cop's whim. If he wants to push it, I'm willing to damage his career and take food out of his kids' mouths. Don't go there and it won't happen.

 

[TIMC]

As far as the police are concerned I have found I have been treated much better by law enforcement when stopped and they find out I have a CHL. I noticed they are more relaxed and less likely to give me a ticket. The three times I was stopped for speeding (yes shame on me) I was given a warning 2 out of 3 times.

 

[Juna]

If you're even remotely thinking about getting a CCW, do it. Obama opposes CCW openly and wants to pass federal legislation to ban it like it's banned in IL. Maybe he won't be able to, but if ever there were a time when the stars were aligned enough for him to do it, it is now.

Get your CCW now so you're grandfathered in (at least until it expires).

The current political landscape that's coming in January makes me realize we're long overdue for a revolution.

 

[TRGRHPY]

Target of Bad Guys? Oh, yeah...especially in Ohio, where the Legislature has NOT closed the Media Access to CCW License Holder Records Loophole. i.e. "The MainScream Media" can AND DOES publish lists of CCW License holders.

Why would they do that, what's the point of it? It seems to present a danger to those who carry the possibility of a criminal breaking into their home and trying to steal a firearm. Wouldn't they hold some responsibility if that were to happen? Are they just trying to get a rise out of the cc community? Just my .02, but it would seem wise not to piss off people with guns. Shouldn't that be a fifth rule of firearm safety?

 

[clevland11]

Thanks for the input everybody. I did the right thing, and as of 2:30 pm today I am licensed to carry a firearm. Although I am still a bit anxious about actually carrying, I believe I will warm up to the idea. Thanks again and stay safe.

 

[jkittle99]

Don't be anxious. Just be you. I remember the first time I walked into some place carrying after getting my ccw (it was a wal-mart) it made me feel just plain good. I really felt "freedom".

 

[Sinixstar]

I think it all depends on the officer.
Some officers are going to assume that you're an upstanding citizen, and if you jumped through the hoops to get your permit, you're not a threat.
Some officers just don't like to take ANY chances, and seeing that you're CCW - is just a heads up warning to them that you're possibly armed.
Personally, i wouldn't get overly upset if I was pulled over, and a cop prefered to see that I was disarmed during the stop. If they're respectful about it, and they're not giving me a hard time over the simple fact that I was carrying - it's a certainly understandable position to take. These guys don't know who you are, what you're doing, what your mental state is - only that you're armed. I mean hell - the guy who shot up VA Tech was completely 100% legal, but clearly there were some issues there no one was aware of. Being licensed just means you have a much lower probability of flying off the handle, it's not a 100% safety measure though.

 

[Rimmer]

clevland11
I have heard dozens of horror stories on forums like this about citizens getting pulled over by the police and subsequently disarmed and harassed for merely exercising their 2nd Amendment rights.

Obviously your not talking to an Ohio CCW person. That's BS..... What forums?

Do you feel possessing a CCW makes you more likely to have a problem with the police?

Not based upon the 3 times I've been stopped over the past 4 years. Local Sherriff's dept once, twice by OSHP. Only an uninformed LE would give you a problem. Their computer gives them the CCW info when they run your plate. They know your not a "Bad Guy" before they get out of their car. All three times they let me go with a verbal warning. Once was 55 in a 35 zone.

I was considering getting my CCW but the thought of certain individuals gunning for me is a bit unsettling.

Just pure BS, sorry it just isn't that way in the real world.

Would police see you as a law abiding citizen, or a gun totting madman?

See above.

 

[Walkalong]

No it doesn't.

 

[Ringer]

Twice in the last 5 years or so I have had to disclose to LEO that I was carrying. Once to a local Police dept, once to Deputy Sherrif of Oakland Co. Both times they all but ignored my disclosure and continued with our conversation.

I voted "No".

 

[MT GUNNY]

Never mind, I need to read the whole post before Posting on it!

 

[mongo4567]

State police have all seemed to have a positive change in their demeanor when presented with the permit. They have always been professional, they just seem to relax more. It has actually worked in my favor, I have gotten several warnings for speeding that I'm sure would have been tickets otherwise.

I have had several encounters over the years with inexperienced city police; they seem to be very "jumpy". During a traffic stop I had one take control of my pistol, unload it, and leave it in the back seat after they sent me on my way. During another stop, I had the officer pat me down even after telling him the firearm was in the glovebox...he was obviously a rookie. His sergeant even teased him about patting down a permit holder.

 

[gitnsige]

I was in a car accident yesterday in my business vehicle. The guy I hit had called in the entire fire department and a state trooper was also dispatched. The guy was just setting up his future law suit although there was no damage to his little suv and my car had minor front end damage. When the officer finally arrived he asked us both for our license, reg, and insurance which I had at the ready. My copy of the registration was old so I commented as such but let him know it was current. At no time did my CCW come up and I actually forgot to mention it. I wasn't carrying at the time anyway because I can't get an out of state permit from NY where I regularly travel. When he came back I was cited which I expected as I was at fault, so I asked if I should plead not guilty since i have a clean DMV record (which I would do anyway for any ticket) he stated off the record, court would probably just toss it. My CCW apparently was a non-issue AND the officer was helpful as well. Imagine that.

 

[Zach S]

Based on my experience, a CHP is a "get out of a minor ticket for free" card. Of course, when I get stopped, I conduct myself as a a civilized human being, and I'm sure that helps too. Most of the officers dont seem to care, and I've only been "disarmed" once before I had my CHP. I had the pistol laying in my passenger seat, so he simply had me wait behind my car for my fast driving award.

My CHP was a headache once at a license check. The officer felt that it was PC to search my car for illegal guns Sat there for an hour. Not much has changed in the town I grew up in.

 

[azhunter122]

All the cops I know have not one problem with guns. Go back east or to California and things will change though!

 

[Thin Black Line]

I was pulled over for speeding many years ago. Cop came up all relaxed and
got my drivers license and reg (plate was in a relative's name). After he
called the info in, he walked back with his holster unsnapped and his hand
resting on his pistol. Stood a bit more to the back and gave me my papers
and ticket with his free hand.

I have been hassled more for political activity regarding Constitutional rights
and weapons rather than the actual CCW under license. This was not done
by local cops trying to make quota during speed traps.

 

[PRM]

As a 30 year veteran LEO, I vote no. I've been reading posts for some time where LEOs are stereotyped as storm troopers who just want to lock people up. I'm not saying there aren't officers out there who are trying to make a name for themselves or fall into an over zealous category. But, the majority of veteran officers are not that stereotype. Its a job and certain people need to be off the street! The majority of contacts with the public, are with law abiding citizens who may have violated the law in some minor way. They deserve to be treated respectfully and where appropriate given a break. Even before CC became legal and was not an issue - the majority of officers I have worked with did not get wrapped around the axel about someone having a gun in their possession unless they were breaking the law or were known trouble makers. Personally, I am an NRA Life Member and very pro-2nd Amendment. I like the idea of law abiding citizens being armed.

 

[denfoote]

To quote a former talkshow host here in Arizona...

"Why the HELL do you think they call it a concealed weapon for God's sake!!!"

Poll answer is NO!!!